The Fastest train ever built | The complete physics of it

Summary

The Central Japan Railway Company's SC Maglev train, known as the fastest train reaching speeds over 600 km/h, utilizes superconducting magnets for levitation and propulsion with zero energy loss. This technology, projected to surpass other maglev trains by 2027, could potentially connect New York City to Washington D.C. in just one hour by 2030. The train's superconducting electromagnets, powered by liquid helium refrigeration, achieve high speeds and levitation through innovative figure-eight coils. The system also ensures lateral stability and safety with magnetic shielding, aiming for commercial operations between Tokyo and Nagoya by 2027.

Takeaways

• 🚄 The SC Maglev train developed by Central Japan Railway Company is a unique and superior form of magnetic levitation train, capable of speeds over 600 km/h.
• 🧲 It utilizes superconducting magnets, which once charged, produce a strong, circulating DC current and magnetic field with zero energy loss.
• 🌐 The technology is projected to surpass other maglev technologies by 2027 and could potentially connect New York City to Washington D.C. in just one hour by 2030.
• 🔋 The superconducting electromagnets require a critical temperature below which they operate without resistance, achieved using liquid helium at 4.5 Kelvin.
• 🛠️ The train's levitation is facilitated by figure-eight shaped coils in the guideway, which interact with the superconducting magnets to produce an upward force.
• ⚙️ Propulsion is achieved through a series of normal electromagnets called propelling coils, which are powered alternately to move the train forward.
• 🔧 The train's guidance and lateral stability are maintained by interconnecting the figure-eight coils, which correct the train's position when it deviates from the center.
• 🔌 Inductive power collection is used to transfer electrical power to the train without physical contact, leveraging electromagnetic induction.
• 🛡️ Magnetic shields are employed to protect passengers from the strong magnetic fields produced by the superconducting magnets.
• 📈 Test rides began in 1997, and the train achieved a world record speed of 603 km/h, leading to plans for commercial operations between Tokyo and Nagoya by 2027.

Q & A

What is the significance of the SC Maglev train developed by the Central Japan Railway Company?

The SC Maglev train is significant because it is capable of running at speeds over 600 kilometers per hour, making it one of the fastest trains in the world. It utilizes superconducting magnets, which allow for zero energy loss and continuous operation once charged.

How does the SC Maglev train achieve propulsion?

The SC Maglev train achieves propulsion using a series of normal electromagnets called propelling coils. These coils are powered alternately and placed inside a guideway, creating a net force that pushes the train forward.

What is the role of the superconducting magnets in the SC Maglev train?

The superconducting magnets in the SC Maglev train provide the necessary lift and propelling force for levitation and movement. They produce a strong magnetic field with zero resistance once charged, allowing for efficient and powerful operation.

How is the levitation of the SC Maglev train achieved?

The levitation is achieved through the interaction between the superconducting magnets and figure eight-shaped coils in the guideway. When the train's magnets are offset to the coils, they induce currents that create a magnetic field resulting in an upward force, which levitates the train.

What is the critical temperature for the superconductor in the SC Maglev train?

The critical temperature for the niobium titanium alloy superconductor used in the SC Maglev train is 9.2 Kelvin.

How is the temperature of the superconducting coils maintained below the critical limit?

The temperature of the superconducting coils is maintained below the critical limit using an onboard liquid helium refrigeration system, which circulates liquid helium at 4.5 Kelvin around the coils.

What is the purpose of the radiation shield in the SC Maglev train?

The radiation shield in the SC Maglev train is used to prevent the superconductor from absorbing heat from outside sources, which could disrupt its superconducting state.

How is lateral stability achieved in the SC Maglev train?

Lateral stability is achieved by interconnecting the figure eight-shaped coils. If the train deviates from the center, the induced emfs on the right and left coils differ, causing a current flow that adjusts the magnetic field and forces the train back to the center.

What is the technique used to transfer electrical power to the high-speed SC Maglev train?

The technique used to transfer electrical power to the high-speed SC Maglev train is inductive power collection, which uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power from ground coils to the train without any physical contact.

What measures are taken to prevent the magnetic field from the superconducting magnets from affecting passengers' health?

To prevent health hazards from the magnetic field, magnetic shields are used on the rolling stock and passenger embarkation facility, keeping the magnetic field strength below ICN IRP guidelines.

What was the outcome of the test rides conducted on the Yamanashi Maglev test line?

The test rides on the Yamanashi Maglev test line were successful, with a world record speed of 603 kilometers per hour achieved. This led to the permission for commercial SC Maglev operations between Tokyo and Nagoya by 2027.