Understanding Inductrack and Halbach Array in Hyperloop Technology

[mvisc10]

Hi,

I am currently completing a Gold CREST Award on the Hyperloop Train, and when researching came across a technolofgy called Inductrack. I kind of understand the general concept behind it, however, there's this one paragraph I'm not too sure on and was wondering if someone could explain it to me. I understand the Halbach Array, but that's just about it from this paragraph. Here it is:

As a Halbach magnet array passes over the loops of wire, the sinusoidal variations in the field induce a voltage in the track coils. At low speeds the loops are a largely resistive impedance, and hence the induced currents are highest where the field is changing most quickly, which is around the least intense parts of the field, thus little lift produced.

Marco :)

PS: I'm from the UK so I'm not quite sure what Undergrad is, but I think it's the equivalent to A-levels.

 

[sophiecentaur]

PS: I'm from the UK so I'm not quite sure what Undergrad is, but I think it's the equivalent to A-levels.

Undergrad is the status before you graduate with a first degree. That would be above A level (University Entrance Exam).

 

[LURCH]

Exactly which part is giving you trouble? The paragraph you quoted has two sentences, the first of which I am guessing you understand. The second sentence could be broken into 4 statements:

1) At low speeds the loops are largely resistive impedance.

2) This resistive impedance tends to restrict induced current to the areas where the field is changing most rapidly

3) The field is changing most rapidly in the areas where it is weakest

4) The restriction of current to these areas results in little lift being generated.

Which of these concepts would you like to discuss, or do you need an explanation for all of them?