MAGLEV TRAIN WORKING PRINCIPLE WITH INTERESTING FACTS AND TOP SPEED, NEW RECORD

MECHANICAL TIPS AND STUDY MATERIAL

MAGLEV TRAINS 

In the year 1966 the the first Maglev train was in operation, though its model was proposed in early 1930's when Hermann Kemper, a German engineer proposed a model of train with no wheels and used the technique of magnetic levitation.

DO YOU KNOW ?

• Japan is the first country to introduce maglev train.
• Maglev is short form of Magnetic levitation train.
• The world fastest train is maglev vehicle of Japan which broke its own record of 581 km/hr made in the year 2003.
• The new train hold record speed of 603 km/ hr in year 2015.
• It can cover 1.609 km in 10 seconds.
• Japan has invested more than $2 billion on maglev train projects.
• Till day only one maglev train accident was witnessed. It took place in Lathen (Germany) in year 2006 which led death of 23 people. 
• The first inter-city maglev service of 160 km started from Shanghai – Hangzhou, China

World fastest train

Japan uses electrodynamics system (EDS) for propulsion s where as Germany uses electromagnetic system (EMS) for propulsion.

HOW MAGLEV TRAIN WORKS??

It is very interesting to know how the train runs without wheels at speed more than 600 km/hr. All we can say that with no contact of wheels with the track it's art of engineering. Actually these trains uses heavy magnets one set is attached to the track and other is attached the rail.

We know that like pole repels each other (north-north, south-south), when these magnets are placed close they repel each other and this technique keeps the train always elevated 1 centimeter from the track . 

Electric coils ( Linear induction motor ) is fitted across the track which supplies high current . This current is changed continuously. Due to change in current the magnetic field changes and this guides the vehicle move above the track with high speed.

ADVANTAGES

• It is sound isolated train because of no friction and rolling of wheel and smooth running without jerk.
• Extreme high speed like never before.
• Economical in terns of power consumption
• Less risk of accident
• Low wear and tear of parts and no friction is present.

DISADVANTAGE

• High cost of construction,  it can dream for many under developed countries.

Countries that operates maglev trains are

• Japan
• China
• USA
• Germany

India has also announced to build its first high speed bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.