levitation

[shanky25]

Hello

I am tryng to build a magnetic levitation train as my academic project. I have a basic idea of building this employing
the principle of a linear induction motor. Can anyone suggest me some more design ideas in this regard?

 

[Dragon Tamer]

magnetic levitation is tricky business, to get the speed that you want you need to have a perfect alteration of poles to propel your train. you also need to calculate the correct strength so that it actually moves when it's told. i tried this once before using a 4017 for my own amusement, it was just supposed to move a bar magnet across a desk, the problem was that it kept veering off course. i have to ask, are you prepared to calculate all of these variables that are inevitable going to encounter? today's Mag-Lev trains are controlled by sophisticated computers ouboard the train that can keep a constant state of propulsion.

 

[crutschow]

There is a passive method of magnetic levitation that requires no control circuits or external power. The forward propulsion is supplied by a separate source such as a linear motor which requires only standard motor control circuits.

 

[Sceadwian]

crut, based on the complexity of the construction of the magnetic structures required for that method it'd be more difficult to implement than a 'standard' one.

 

[crutschow]

Not so. The magnetic structure is quite simple. It consists of a series of permanent magnets in the bottom of the rail car arranged in a Halbach array, which just a way of placing the magnets so that the magnetic field is concentrated on one side and cancels on the other.

 

[kchriste]

And then there is this:
YouTube - MagLev Toy Train ENGLISH VERSION