agnetic levitation) is a transport method that uses m

Maglev (derived from m agnetic levitation to

move vehicles without touching the ground. With maglev, a vehicle travels along a guideway
using magnets to create both lift and p ropulsion, thereby reducing friction and allowing higher
speeds.

The Shanghai Maglev Train, also known as the Transrapid, is the fastest commercial train
currently in operation and has a top speed of 430km/h.

Maglev trains move more smoothly and more quietly than wheeled mass transit systems. They
are relatively unaffected by weather. The power needed for levitation is typically not a large
percentage of its overall energy consumption;[2] most goes to overcome air resistance (drag), as
with other high-speed transport. Maglev trains hold the speed record for rail transportation.

The Maglev Track

the magnetized coil running along the track, called a guideway, repels the large magnets on the train's
undercarriage, allowing the train to levitate between 0.39 and 3.93 inches (1 to 10 centimeters) above the
guideway. Once the train is levitated, power is supplied to the coils within the guideway walls to create a
unique system of magnetic fields that pull and push the train along the guideway. The electric current
supplied to the coils in the guideway walls is constantly alternating to change the polarity of the magnetized
coils. This change in polarity causes the magnetic field in front of the train to pull the vehicle forward, while
the magnetic field behind the train adds more forward thrust.

two types:

Electromagnetic suspension (EMS), electronically controlled electromagnets in the

train attract it to a magnetically conductive (usually steel) track.
Electrodynamic suspension (EDS) uses superconducting electromagnets or strong
permanent magnets that create a magnetic field which induces currents in nearby
metallic conductors when there is relative movement which pushes and pulls the
train towards the designed levitation position on the guide way.

electromagnetic suspension
Germany and Japan are both developing maglev train technology, and both are currently testing prototypes
of their trains. (The German company "Transrapid International" also has a train in commercial use -- more
about that in the next section.) Although based on similar concepts, the German and Japanese trains have
distinct differences. In Germany, engineers have developed an electromagnetic suspension (EMS)
system, called Transrapid. In this system, the bottom of the train wraps around a steel guideway.
Electromagnets attached to the train's undercarriage are directed up toward the guideway, which levitates
the train about 1/3 of an inch (1 centimeter) above the guideway and keeps the train levitated even when it's
not moving. Other guidance magnets embedded in the train's body keep it stable during travel. Germany has
demonstrated that the Transrapid maglev train can reach 300 mph with people onboard.

electrodynamic suspension(EDS) system, which is based on the repelling force of magnets. The key
difference between Japanese and German maglev trains is that the Japanese trains use super-cooled,
superconducting electromagnets. This kind of electromagnet can conduct electricity even after the power
supply has been shut off. In the EMS system, which uses standard electromagnets, the coils only conduct
electricity when a power supply is present. By chilling the coils at frigid temperatures, Japan's system saves
energy.However, the cryogenic system uses to cool the coils can be expensive.

Evaluation[edit]

Each implementation of the magnetic levitation principle for train-type travel involves
advantages and disadvantages.

Technology Pros Cons

EMS[31][32](Electromagnetic suspension) Magnetic fields inside and The separation between

outside the vehicle are the vehicle and the
less than EDS; proven, guideway must be
commercially available constantly monitored and
technology; high speeds corrected due to the
(500 km/h (310 mph)); no unstable nature of
wheels or secondary electromagnetic
propulsion system attraction; to the system's
needed. inherent instability and the
required constant
corrections by outside
systems may induce
vibration.
EDS[33][34] Onboard magnets and Strong magnetic fields on
(Electrodynamic suspension) large margin between rail the train would make the
and train enable highest train unsafe for
recorded speeds (581 passengers with
km/h (361 mph)) and pacemakers or magnetic
heavy load capacity; data storage media such
demonstrated successful as hard drives and credit
operations using cards, necessitating the
high-temperature use of magnetic shielding;
superconductors in its limitations on guideway
onboard magnets, cooled inductivity limit maximum
with inexpensive liquid speed; vehicle must be
nitrogen. wheeled for travel at low
speeds.

Inductrack System[35][36](Permanent Magnet Passive Suspension) uspensionno

Failsafe S Requires either wheels or
power required to activate track segments that move
magnets; Magnetic field for when the vehicle is
is localized below the car; stopped. Under
can generate enough development (as of 2008);
force at low speeds No commercial version or
(around 5 km/h (3.1 full scale prototype.
mph)) for levitation; given
power failure cars stop
safely; Halbach arrays of
permanent magnets may
prove more cost-effective
than electromagnets.