Maglev trains use electromagnetic propulsion to levitate and propel the train along guideways, eliminating friction. Positively and negatively charged magnets lift the train 1-10 cm above the guideway. Maglev trains can travel at over 300 mph with no fuel costs and less maintenance compared to conventional trains. They produce less noise and pollution and require less space. Maglev technology is also used for roller coasters and has potential military applications like aircraft carrier launching.

1. Magnetically LevitatedMagnetically Levitated
Trains (MagLev)Trains (MagLev)
By Sai ganeshBy Sai ganesh

2. What are MagLev trains?What are MagLev trains?
 MagLev uses Electromagnetic Propulsion.MagLev uses Electromagnetic Propulsion.
 Trains are thrust forward by positively andTrains are thrust forward by positively and
negatively charged magnets.negatively charged magnets.
 The train floats on a cushion of airThe train floats on a cushion of air
eliminating friction.eliminating friction.

3. MagLev “Guideways” or TracksMagLev “Guideways” or Tracks
 Track repels magnets on undercarriage ofTrack repels magnets on undercarriage of
train, sending the train forward.train, sending the train forward.
 Train levitates between 1 and 10 cmTrain levitates between 1 and 10 cm
above guideway.above guideway.

4. MagLev vs. Conventional TrainsMagLev vs. Conventional Trains
MagLev TrainsMagLev Trains Conventional TrainsConventional Trains
No Friction = LessNo Friction = Less
MaintenanceMaintenance
Routine MaintenanceRoutine Maintenance
NeededNeeded
No Engine = No fuelNo Engine = No fuel
requiredrequired
Engine requires fossilEngine requires fossil
fuelsfuels
Speeds in excess ofSpeeds in excess of
300 mph300 mph
Speeds up to 110 mphSpeeds up to 110 mph

5. Better for the EnvironmentBetter for the Environment
 Less energy consumption because no rail-Less energy consumption because no rail-
track frictiontrack friction
 Requires no fossil fuel which can harm theRequires no fossil fuel which can harm the
environment.environment.
 Less noise pollution since the train neverLess noise pollution since the train never
hits the trackhits the track
 MagLev guideways and trains take up lessMagLev guideways and trains take up less
space than conventional trainsspace than conventional trains

6. Other MagLev ApplicationsOther MagLev Applications
 Disneyland’s California Adventure CoasterDisneyland’s California Adventure Coaster
 California Screamin’ roller coaster usesCalifornia Screamin’ roller coaster uses
MagLev technology to propel car from 0-MagLev technology to propel car from 0-
55 mph in less than 5 seconds!55 mph in less than 5 seconds!
 Disneyland® - California Screamin'Disneyland® - California Screamin'

7. Other MagLev ApplicationsOther MagLev Applications
 U.S. military is looking into using MagLevU.S. military is looking into using MagLev
 Possible uses could include:Possible uses could include:
Rocket launchingRocket launching
Aircraft carrier launching padAircraft carrier launching pad
Space craft launchingSpace craft launching

8. Travel SpeedsTravel Speeds
 At 300 mph, you could travel to Paris toAt 300 mph, you could travel to Paris to
Rome in just 2 hours!Rome in just 2 hours!
 Anaheim to Las Vegas in just 86 minutes,Anaheim to Las Vegas in just 86 minutes,
and cheaper than flying!!!!and cheaper than flying!!!!
 MaglevMaglev

9. ReferencesReferences
 Bonsor, Kevin. “How Maglev Trains Work”. 5 September, 2002.Bonsor, Kevin. “How Maglev Trains Work”. 5 September, 2002.
<http://travel.howstuffworks.com/maglev-train.htm><http://travel.howstuffworks.com/maglev-train.htm>
 Keating, Oliver. “Maglevs (Magnetically Levitated Trains)”. 16 June,Keating, Oliver. “Maglevs (Magnetically Levitated Trains)”. 16 June,
2000. <http://www.okeating.com/hsr/maglev.htm>2000. <http://www.okeating.com/hsr/maglev.htm>
 Disney Online. “California Screamin’”. August, 1999.Disney Online. “California Screamin’”. August, 1999.
<http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/attraction<http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/attraction
s/detail?name=CaliforniaScreaminAttractionPage>s/detail?name=CaliforniaScreaminAttractionPage>
 MagLev Systems. “Electromagnetic Systems”. General AtomicsMagLev Systems. “Electromagnetic Systems”. General Atomics
and Affiliated Companies. 2005. <http://www.ga.com/atg/ems.php>.and Affiliated Companies. 2005. <http://www.ga.com/atg/ems.php>.

10. ReferencesReferences
 Bonsor, Kevin. “How Maglev Trains Work”. 5 September, 2002.Bonsor, Kevin. “How Maglev Trains Work”. 5 September, 2002.
<http://travel.howstuffworks.com/maglev-train.htm><http://travel.howstuffworks.com/maglev-train.htm>
 Keating, Oliver. “Maglevs (Magnetically Levitated Trains)”. 16 June,Keating, Oliver. “Maglevs (Magnetically Levitated Trains)”. 16 June,
2000. <http://www.okeating.com/hsr/maglev.htm>2000. <http://www.okeating.com/hsr/maglev.htm>
 Disney Online. “California Screamin’”. August, 1999.Disney Online. “California Screamin’”. August, 1999.
<http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/attraction<http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/attraction
s/detail?name=CaliforniaScreaminAttractionPage>s/detail?name=CaliforniaScreaminAttractionPage>
 MagLev Systems. “Electromagnetic Systems”. General AtomicsMagLev Systems. “Electromagnetic Systems”. General Atomics
and Affiliated Companies. 2005. <http://www.ga.com/atg/ems.php>.and Affiliated Companies. 2005. <http://www.ga.com/atg/ems.php>.