Written by: Prashant Shrestha - 20117, Grade XII
Posted on: 09 February, 2020
Based on the approach of the quantum levitation, a superconducting train that levitates above a magnetic track can be operated. In this mechanism, the train which is to be made superconducting is cooled down to the temperature below the critical temperature of the material with the help of liquid nitrogen. Such types of trains don’t have any engine operated by fossil fuels like normal trains. So maglev trains can be operated without fossil fuels. Maglev train is frictionless as the magnetic force replaces the physical support to levitate the train in the air removing all kinds of friction between the train and the track. So these trains have a high speed of more than 500 kph.
Maglev train works on two processes i.e. levitation and the propulsion.
1. Levitation
In a maglev train, a superconductor is attached to the base. And the guide-way is made up of magnets. When we cool the superconductor below its critical temperature using liquid nitrogen the superconductor levitates above the guide-way. When a superconductor is cooled below its critical temperature, it shows the Meisner effect. Due to the Meisner effect, the magnetic lines of force passing normally through a superconductor get expelled and a repelling force is developed when a magnet is introduced. Thus superconductors repel itself from the magnet and a floating character is observed which is known as magnetic levitation.
2) Propulsion:
The maglev train consists of magnets on its side as well and electromagnets are attached in the edge of the railway track in for the propulsion. The arrangement of magnets is done on the train as well as on the railway sides as shown in fig ii. Such an arrangement helps to ensure the attraction between like to unlike poles and repulsion between like to like poles of the magnet on a train and the railway. Such attraction and repulsion results in the forward movement of the train.
Thus the train starts to move in a forward direction by levitating above the railway.
