MAGLEV TRAINS

The Shanghai Maglev: World Fastest Train.

MAGLEV TRAINS (Magnetic levitated Trains)... Heard about them before?

let's discuss them; How do they work?

Maglev Trains happens to be number one on the list of world fastest trains, with the shanghai Maglev hitting hard at a speed of 430km/h (appro. 270mph).

If you are wondering how fast 270mph is, just imagine the speed of the world's fastest production car (The Bugatti Veyron), whose top record speed is 254mph or the speed of a jet at take. (woww right?  right?)

Now what technology make this possible? ELECTROMAGNETISM (Yeah, that's the secret)

Electromagnets are 'temporal' magnets that works when electricity is passed through them. They can be so powerful to levitate the train off the ground (like 10mm), so that, friction is eliminated to an infinitesimal level.

The tracks of the maglev train are lined with strong electromagnets and some has electromagnetic walls too to speed things up (not for all maglevs though). The portion of the electromagnetic wall and track in front of the train pulls the train forward will the ones behind pushes it forward with great force.

An installation called the Guide Way, is responsible for keeping the train on track and also come fitted with electromagnets to provide balance and thrust at the same time.

The innovative use of electromagnetism as the driving force, makes MAGLEV TRAINS noiseless; even at its breathtaking speed.

This is a cool technology, and it all started with physics. 

What do you have to say about this? want a ride?


Care for the list of world fastest trains? Click HERE.