Inductrack
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Inductrack is a completely passive magnetic levitation train system, using only unpowered loops of wire in the track and permanent magnets (in Halbach arrays) on the train to achieve levitation. Inductrack was invented by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory physicist Richard E Post. The only power required is to push the train forward, with increasing levitation force generated as the velocity of the train increases over the loops of wire.
When neodymium–iron–boron permanent magnets are used, levitation is achieved at low speeds, allowing 50 pounds of load to be lifted for each pound of magnet.
An Inductrack variation uses two Halbach arrays to double the levitating magnetic field without substantially increasing the weight or footprint area of the Halbach arrays, while having lower drag forces at low speeds.
Several maglev railroad proposals are based upon Inductrack technology.
It is thought that the technology could be extended to rockets.
External links
- Lawrence Livermore National Labratories (http://www.llnl.gov/str/Post.html)
- Webguru (http://www.webguru.com/type-maglev-magnectic-levitation-trains.htm)