• Question: How do maglev trains work?

    Asked by Spoodamin to Agata, Chris, John, Kirstin, Michael on 16 Jun 2016.
    • Photo: John Allport

      John Allport answered on 16 Jun 2016:

      Maglev trains “float” on a magnetic field above the track. They are then propelled by a wave of magnetic forces, like an unrolled electric motor. There is a good explanation on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaElPV0FWJ0
      If you ever get the chance, ride the maglev from Shanghai Airport – it’s unbelievable!!

    • Photo: Chris Hackett

      Chris Hackett answered on 16 Jun 2016:

      Super cooled magnetic material allows a force to be produced without adding more power also. This force allows the train to float above without friction and the only restriction then to speed being the drag of the air in front of the train.

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