Maglev Train Propulsion System

This project was an experiment on the feasibility of superconductorbased maglev trains. Two classmates, Kyle Tessier-Lavigne and Michael Stern, and I worked in conjunction to produce a magnetic track, levitating train car, and propulsion system. This paper focuses on my part of the project, the propulsion system. The propulsion system is similar to a linear motor, with a row of solenoids attracting and repulsing a magnet atop the train car. The propulsion system increases the speed of the train, but is not yet strong enough to move the train car all the way around the track from a stationary position. The magnetic fields from the electromagnets had a field of 8x10-4 T, which exerted a force of 5.4x10-3 N on the train, accelerating it at 0.09936 m/s/s.