Finle Broch

The Problem A problem that challenges all engineers who design moving mechanisms is friction. Friction is a force that is generated from parts rubbing against each other and leads to an inefficient mechanism. The train industry experiences many drawbacks caused by friction. The most widely used train today is called the Intercity Express (ICE), an high speed electric train. The main problems with the current train is high maintenance cost, slow speeds, and environmental pollution; all caused by high amount of friction in the system.

For more information please visit: http://www.transrapid-usa.com/

Magnetic Levitated Train

The Solution

A solution to these problems is to design a train that can move along a track without friction. The magnetic levitated train is a newly innovated train that uses permanent and induced magnetic fields to levitate above and propel along a track. The train wraps around the track, also called a guide way, preventing derailment. The guide way contains the power source, eliminating moving parts on the train.

Contact us at: Transrapid International USA P. O. Box 87546 Westwood, California 90698 (487) 313-2010

Engineering the World’s first Made by Aaron Mayeda

Maglev Train

Introducing the Word’s First Maglev Train Key Parts of the Train

How the Train Maintains Stability

Advantages of the Maglev Train

Five key parts with magnetic properties are used to levitate and propel the maglev train. •

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Lateral stability is maintained by the guidance system that uses the guidance magnets and rail. When the train is displaced laterally, the direction of current flowing through the guidance magnet is alternated such that an attractive force is created on one side and a repulsive force is created on the other. These forces act in the same direction, centering the train on the track.

Guidance Magnet: The direction of current is alternated to change the polarity in this electromagnet and is mounted to the train. Guidance Rail: A ferromagnet is used to generate a magnetic field with the Guidance Magnet and is mounted to the guide way Stator Pack: A set of ferromagnets mounted on the guide way to generate a magnetic field with the Support Magnets. Support Magnets: The amperage of current flowing through the electromagnets determines the strength of the magnetic field and is How the Train Levitates and mounted to the train. Propels The train achieves frictionless motion by Motor Windings: The direction and pulsing wave form current through the strength of current flowing through motor windings and support magnets. these electromagnets determine the polarity and strength of the magnate Because the current is pulsed at the same Stato r Packs Guidance Rails field. It is mounted to the guide way frequency, vertical attractive forces are

The maglev train achieves faster speeds while consuming less energy since the resistive force of friction is no longer present. The maglev train reaches speeds of 310 MPH while the ICE can only travel at 185 MPH. The train consumes 67% less energy at 185 MPH generating less energy pollution. Because the maglev train is magnetically levitated and pushed along the guide way, maintenance costs are dramatically reduced and noise from operation is reduced by 10DB. The maglev train is the next high speed train, overcoming the problems of the current ICE while providing significant benefits.

Attraction

generated pulling the train above the track. Guidance To M a gnet s the train, current is pulsed in the move M o to r W ind in gs

direction of desired motion creating horizontal attractive forces, pulling the train in that direction (illustrated to the right). properties of the electronic Su ppo rt MThe a gnemagnetic ts waves force them to stay synchronized, therefore the rate of current being pulsed through motor windings control the speed and acceleration of the train

Electromagnets

Ferromagnets