Superconducting levitation and transportation

[Mackay1011]

Hey, think this post belongs in this section.

I've seen a few videos about superconducting levitation and it is used on trains, correct?

I was wondering if it is possible to levitate an object like a car and propel it forward?


Heres a clip, please don't delete :) watch it please :D

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7459584142767298148&q=Superconducting+Levitation&total=21&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

 

[mgb_phys]

One of the properties of superconductors is that they don't allow a magnetic field to pass through them - this is what allows a small piece of supercoductor to float above a magnet.

Even when superconductors are used in maglev trains they are used for a different reason. In the tracks are permanent magnets, in the train is a magnetic coil repelling these magnets, supercoductor magnets could be used here because it is possible to make a very large electromagnet with no loss of power due to heating. But because of the difficulty of cooling the supercoductor it may be cheaper to use a regular magnet and waste the heat.

It's certainly possible to levitate a car using a magnet - junkyard cranes do it all the time!

 

[sir-pinski]

Yes, superconducting levitation is commonly used in high-speed trains to reduce friction and increase efficiency. However, it is also possible to use this technology to levitate and propel other objects, such as cars. In fact, there have been experiments and demonstrations of superconducting levitation being used to transport cars and other vehicles. This technology has the potential to revolutionize transportation, making it faster, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. Thank you for sharing the video, it's always fascinating to see the potential of superconducting levitation in action.