The Speed Secrets of Maglev Trains: Equations and Resources

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the operational principles of Maglev trains, specifically those utilizing Linear Synchronous Motors (LSM). The speed of these trains is controlled by varying the frequency of the supplied power, which directly influences the switching of electromagnets on the track. Key concepts include the alternating magnetic poles of the train and track, and the complexities involved in designing circuits for the hover mechanism. Resources and equations related to Maglev systems were requested for further understanding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Linear Synchronous Motors (LSM)
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with magnetic field dynamics
  • Knowledge of circuit design for electromagnetic applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the equations governing Linear Synchronous Motors (LSM)
  • Study the principles of electromagnetism in Maglev systems
  • Explore circuit design techniques for magnetic levitation
  • Investigate the use of permanent magnets in Maglev train systems
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and students interested in transportation technology, magnetic levitation systems, and electromagnetism principles will benefit from this discussion.

MasterPine
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I've been studying Maglev system.This concept is quite new to me, so I need your help for followings:
From my understanding the speed of MagLev Train applying Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) is only controlled by varying the Frequency of supplied power, So could you show me the related equations?

I want to get the more comprehensive understandings of MagLev System, so I prefer you to provide me some related documents!

Thank you!
 
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Lets oversimplify the maglev to make it simple to talk about, to do so picture a regular wheeled setup at first.

On the bottom of the train cars are magnets that alternate north-south-north-south.

On the track there are electromagnets that alternate south-north-south-north.

The electromagnets are switched so they have the opposite pole, now the likes repel and opposites attract thus the train moves. Change the frequency the switching happens at and the speed could change as well if within reason.

Easier would be examining how a DC motor works. Same concept except it is setup to spin and the brushes switch the electromagnets mechanically. But like the maglev you could use permanent magnets on the shaft and switch coils around the shaft to spin the magnets.

Now, the maglev is quite complicated in terms of designing circuits to control the 'hover' aspect of it. Now you need to harness the power of a magnetic field that decreases exponentially with distance and create forward motion and keep the cars on a track.

There were some posts a while back about building a maglev and in the discussion a different type of maglev was linked to that used permanent magnets on the train cars and coils for the track. The difference was that the coils were not powered but instead used the current induced from the moving magnets to turn them into electromagnets, and that the track was shaped to keep the train cars centered.

Once you've mastered building your own segway type machine that balances on 2 wheels the maglev would be the next step up in difficulty.

Cliff
 

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