16-01-2012, 01:32 PM
Magnetic Levitation space propulsion
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Introduction To Maglev Technology And Application
1.1 Principle of Maglev System
Maglev is a system in which the vehicle runs levitated from the guideway (corresponding
to the rail tracks of conventional railways) by using electromagnetic forces between
superconducting magnets on board the vehicle and coils on the ground. The following is
a general explanation of the principle of Maglev.
1.1.1 Magnetic Levitation
The "8" figured levitation coils are installed on the sidewalls of the guideway.
When the on-board superconducting magnets pass at a high speed about
several centimeters below the center of these coils, an electric current is
induced within the coils, which then act as electromagnets temporarily. As a
result, there are forces which push the superconducting magnet upwards and
ones which pull them upwards simultaneously, thereby levitating the Maglev vehicle.
1.1.2 Lateral Guidance
The levitation coils facing each other are connected under the guideway, constituting a
loop. When a running Maglev vehicle, that is a superconducting magnet, displaces
laterally, an electric current is induced in the loop, resulting in a repulsive force acting on
the levitation coils of the side near the car and an attractive force acting on the levitation
coils of the side farther apart from the car. Thus, a running car is always located at the
center of the guideway.
1.1.3 Propulsion
A repulsive force and an attractive force induced between the magnets are
used to propel the vehicle (superconducting magnet). The propulsion coils
located on the sidewalls on both sides of the guideway are energized by a
three-phase alternating current from a substation, creating a shifting magnetic
field on the guideway. The on-board superconducting magnets are attracted
and pushed by the shifting field, propelling the Maglev vehicle
