The Problem

A problem that challenges all engineers

who design moving mechanisms is For more information please visit:
friction. Friction is a force that is
generated from parts rubbing against http://www.transrapid-usa.com/
each other and leads to an inefficient
mechanism. The train industry Magnetic Levitated
experiences many drawbacks caused by
friction. The most widely used train today
Train
is called the Intercity Express (ICE), an
high speed electric train. The main
problems with the current train is high
maintenance cost, slow speeds, and
environmental pollution; all caused by
high amount of friction in the system.
The Solution
A solution to these problems is to design
a train that can move along a track
without friction. The magnetic levitated
train is a newly innovated train that uses
permanent and induced magnetic fields
to levitate above and propel along a
track. The train wraps around the track,
also called a guide way, preventing
derailment. The guide way contains the Contact us at:
power source, eliminating moving parts
Transrapid International USA
on the train.
P. O. Box 87546
Westwood, California 90698

(487) 313-2010

Engineering the World’s first

Made by Aaron Mayeda
Maglev Train
 Introducing the Word’s First Maglev Train
Key Parts of the Train How the Train Maintains Advantages of the Maglev
Stability Train
Five key parts with magnetic properties
are used to levitate and propel the
maglev train.
• Guidance Magnet: The direction of
current is alternated to change the
polarity in this electromagnet and is
mounted to the train.
• Guidance Rail: A ferromagnet is used
to generate a magnetic field with the
Guidance Magnet and is mounted to
the guide way
• Stator Pack: A set of ferromagnets
mounted on the guide way to
generate a magnetic field with the
Support Magnets.
• Support Magnets: The amperage of
current flowing through the
electromagnets determines the
strength of the magnetic field and is
mounted to the train.
• Motor Windings: The direction and
strength of current flowing through
these electromagnets determine the
polarity and strength of the magnate
Stato r Packs Guidance Rails
field. It is mounted to the guide way
Guidance To
M o to r W ind in gs
Su ppo rt MThe
Lateral stability is maintained by the The maglev train achieves faster speeds
guidance system that uses the guidance while consuming less energy since the
magnets and rail. When the train is resistive force of friction is no longer present.
displaced laterally, the direction of current The maglev train reaches speeds of 310 MPH
flowing through the guidance magnet is while the ICE can only travel at 185 MPH. The
alternated such that an attractive force is train consumes 67% less energy at 185 MPH
created on one side and a repulsive force is generating less energy pollution. Because the
created on the other. These forces act in the maglev train is magnetically levitated and
same direction, centering the train on the pushed along the guide way, maintenance
track. costs are dramatically reduced and noise from
operation is reduced by 10DB. The maglev
train is the next high speed train, overcoming
the problems of the current ICE while
providing significant benefits.
How the Train Levitates and
ThePropels
train achieves frictionless motion by
pulsing wave form current through the
motor windings and support magnets.
Because the current is pulsed at the same
frequency, vertical attractive forces are
generated pulling the train above the track.
M a gnet s the train, current is pulsed in the
Attraction
move
direction of desired motion creating
Electromagnets
horizontal attractive forces, pulling the train Ferromagnets
in that direction (illustrated to the right).
a gnemagnetic
ts properties of the electronic
waves force them to stay synchronized,
therefore the rate of current being pulsed
through motor windings control the speed
and acceleration of the train