thanks a ton!!!!! 
maglev train
Moderator: berkeleywebs
maglev train
hi to everyone out there ..........i want to build a model of a maglev train so i need a bit of help.........i know how to make it levitate but how do i make it move in a model of the real thing???? thanks a ton!!!!!
thanks a ton!!!!! -
williamcolocho
- Former Expert
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2003 10:02 am
Here is a web page that talks about Maglev's propulsion:
http://travel.howstuffworks.com/maglev-train1.htm
As you can see from that web site, the trick to get the train moving is to use an electromagnet (explained there too). The magnetic field in this electromagnet needs to come on and off. The time when the field comes on and off is critical. For a given magnet, you want the magnet to attract the train when the train is moving towards the magnet, then the current in the electromagnet is reversed and the electromagnet will repel the train as the train moves away from the magnet.
You may need to use a commutator switch (switch for reversing the direction of an electric current) for the electromagnet.
http://travel.howstuffworks.com/maglev-train1.htm
As you can see from that web site, the trick to get the train moving is to use an electromagnet (explained there too). The magnetic field in this electromagnet needs to come on and off. The time when the field comes on and off is critical. For a given magnet, you want the magnet to attract the train when the train is moving towards the magnet, then the current in the electromagnet is reversed and the electromagnet will repel the train as the train moves away from the magnet.
You may need to use a commutator switch (switch for reversing the direction of an electric current) for the electromagnet.