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asasSmall-Scale Implementation of Magnetic Levitation Train

Nathan BlackBen JamesGreg KooVivek KumarPreston Rhea

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

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What is Maglev?

What: Low friction, high-speed magnetically-levitating (Maglev) train

Why: Zero-emissions, low maintenance, energy efficient, quiet

Applications:Intercity/Intracity transport of people and freight

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Project Overview

• Small-scale Maglev train

• Proof-of-concept

• Build awareness

• Project cost: $380

Objectives:LevitationStabilizationPropulsion

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Design Objectives

Criteria SpecificationsLevitation No contact between

train and track Vertical Stability +/- 6 mmHorizontal Stability

+/- 4 mm

Torsional Stability

+/- 10 degrees

Propulsion User Controlled: 0-5 mph

Train Loading Must support 0.5 lbs

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Project Components

• Track• Propulsion System• Train Car

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Track Design

• Two sets of parallel strips, magnetized through-thickness

• 4’ x 6’ rectangular track with curved corners

•

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Train Car: Overview

Dimensions: 6” x 4” x 1”Materials: Styrofoam, Plexiglass, Neodymium Permanent Magnets

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Train Car: Halbach Array

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Magnetic Field InteractionVertical Stabilization Lateral Stabilization

TorsionalStabilizatio

n

Max.FluxDensity

Min.FluxDensity

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Propulsion – Linear Synchronous Motor

• 3Ø Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) powered by AC current source

• 18 AWG Cu wire between rails interacting with Halbach array

I1 I2 I3

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Demonstration

• Five complete laps around track at uniform speed

• Carry a load of 0.5 lbs

• Perform according to stability constraints

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Problems with Initial Design

Inductrack I model Total Cost: $1,000Track Length: 1m30 turns per coil

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Problems with Current Design

• Magnetic strength of rail

• Initial stabilization of disk magnet in between rails

• Structural alignment, spacing, and rigidity of track rails

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Cost Breakdown

•Magnet Wire - $70•Magnetic Strips - $300•Neodymium Magnets - $10

Total: $380

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Project Schedule

PDR Presentation

MAR

Construct Train and Track

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FEB

4

AMT Visit

Construct LSM

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APR

First Design

Fails

25MAY

Testing

Final Presentation

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Current Status

• Constructing 3’ straight segment of track

• Winding 3’ LSM

• Constructing Halbach array

• Gluing levitation/stabilization magnets to train car

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Questions?