Racing Ahead The Advancements of Maglev
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Writter: Matthew Robson
peeding down the tracks at over 300 miles per hour, maglev trains might be the future of mass transportation. Maglev technology is most prevalent in Japan and China but may be making their way into the United States soon. Maglev technology incorporates research in superconductors and long-term knowledge of magnetic fields. Maglev trains function like classical diesel or steam trains by riding on tracks, but instead of using metal wheels, they use the repelling forces of magnets to make the train float. These trains are not powered in the classic sense of using a steam or diesel engine, instead, using attraction and repelling magnetic forces to pull and push the train with no contact. “SCMAGLEV stands for Superconducting Magnetic Levitation,” Sr. Communicvations Specialist at Northeast Maglev, Ashley Mcmillian said. “and it means we use superconductivity to create ultra-powerful electromagnets that can lift the train and float it down a guideway, with no loss of energy.” This results in a train that only needsa to touch the ground when moving at very slow speeds or when it is being serviced. The added efficiency is able to transform into major benefits in reduced emissions.
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