How do bullet trains work?
Quick Answer
Bullet trains, also called maglev trains, operate with magnetic levitation technology developed by Japanese and German engineers. Japanese engineers refer to their method as electrodynamic suspension while German engineers refer to their method as electromagnetic suspension. Either way, magnets raise the trains above the track, which means there is no need for wheels.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Essentially, electromagnetic suspension operates through magnetic attraction. Bullet trains are outfitted with electromagnets along their undercarriages. The track, meanwhile, is equipped with coils. An electrical current supplied to the electromagnets and monitored by computers constantly changes the polarity of the coils, which allows the magnetic fields system to push and pull the train along the track.
Electrodynamic suspension operates with repulsion magnets. Through this method, the magnetic levitation force keeps the train in a stable position by balancing its weight. This method works with electromagnetic coils on the track and super-cooled superconducting magnets on the train cars. When the trains approach the coils, a current is generated. This current allows the train to levitate roughly 1 inch above the track and center itself.
Bullet trains are capable of speeds of 300 miles per hour or more. Each train carries a battery power supply that operators can engage in the event of a power outage to prevent a sudden stop in levitation that results in a crash.
People with pacemakers are told to avoid riding on bullet trains as the magnetic fields have the potential to interfere with the medical devices.
Learn more about Motion & MechanicsRelated Questions
-
Q:
What is the terminal velocity of a bullet?
A: Terminal velocities of bullets vary by caliber, but can reach 300 to 700 feet per second. For example, a .30 caliber bullet's terminal velocity is 300 feet... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How far does a bullet travel in water?
A: The distance a bullet travels through water depends on the shape and initial velocity of the round. Generally, the faster a round is moving, the less dista... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Can a bullet have the same momentum as a truck?
A: A bullet can have the same momentum as a truck if it is moving fast enough. Momentum is defined in classical physics as the product of mass and velocity. A... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some common electromagnetic devices?
A: Common electromagnetic devices include tape recorders, loudspeakers, maglev trains and electric motors. Other common devices are electromagnetic locks, doo... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What is a mechanical governor?
-
Q:
Which of Newton's laws of motion deals with objects in motion staying in a straight-line motion unless acted upon by an unbalanced force?
-
Q:
Why do balloons deflate over time?
-
Q:
What are examples of external forces?
-
Q:
What is plastic section modulus?
-
Q:
How are forces measured?
