Maglev vehicles-raising transportation advances of the ground

Maglev as a practical concept was first proposed by the authors in 1966. The concept was based on using lightweight, very high current superconducting loops suitably positioned on a streamlined vehicle. As the vehicle moves along a guideway containing loops of ordinary aluminum wire at ambient temperature, the superconducting loops induce small electric currents in the guideway loops that are directly underneath them. The magnetic interaction of the permanent currents in the superconducting loops with the induced currents in the guideway loops automatically levitates the vehicle. The levitation is inherently stable about its normal equilibrium suspension point. If an external force (e.g. a wind gust, curve, or change in grade) acts on the vehicle, a magnetic force automatically and immediately develops to oppose the external force. The magnetic force pushes the vehicle back toward its normal equilibrium suspension point. Since Maglev vehicles do not contact the guideway, their speed is not constrained by mechanical stresses, friction, or wear. The speed is limited only by aerodynamic drag or straightness of route. The authors describe how the first generation of Maglev vehicles probably will travel in air; however, as tunneling technology develops and becomes cheaper, long distance, ultra-speed Maglev vehicles that travel in low pressure tunnels will emerge as the second generation. Passengers will then be able to travel between New York and Los Angeles, for example, in a little over an hour, with virtually no energy required.