LEVITATION

“DRIVING WITHOUT WHEELS MADE POSSIBLE”

 WHAT IS LEVITATION
• Derived from the Latin
word “LEVITAS” it refers to
the process by which an
object is suspended against
gravity by a physical force,
in a stable position without
having any actual physical
contact.
• It gives an illusion of being
weightless.
 TECHNIQUES FOR LEVITATIONS
Techniques Physical Property Uses
Magnetic Magnetic field Diamagnetic matter
Electrostatic Electric field Charged body
Aerodynamic Stream of gas Undercooling of liquid
Acoustic Acoustic radiation Container less processing
pressure of sound waves
Buoyant Gases at high pressure Experiment
Gas Film Gas flow through a Experiment
porous material
Optical Photon momentum Experimental levitation
of polyethylene using
Xenon
 MAGNETIC LEVITATION
• The principle behind magnetic levitation is Meissner Effect.
• The expulsion of magnetic field from a superconductor during
transition to the superconducting state.
• In a weak applied field, a superconductor "expels" nearly all
magnetic flux. It does this by setting up electric currents near its
surface. The magnetic field of these surface currents cancels
the applied magnetic field within the bulk of the
superconductor. As the field expulsion, or cancellation, does not
change with time, the currents producing this effect (called
persistent currents) do not decay with time. Therefore the
conductivity can be thought of as infinite: a superconductor.
• Near the surface, within a distance called the ”London
penetration depth”, the magnetic field is not completely
canceled. Each superconducting material has its own
characteristic penetration depth.
• This depth depends on the mass, charge and number density of
the carriers.
MAGNETIC LEVITATION VEHICLE
• Is a system of transportation that uses magnetic levitation to
suspend, guide and propel vehicles from magnets rather than
using mechanical methods, such as friction-reliant wheels,
axles and bearings.
• Here magnets provide both thrust and lift.
• The absence of friction enables high acceleration and
deceleration.
• The highest recorded speed of a Maglev train is 581 km/h
(361 mph), achieved in Japan by the CJR's MLX01
superconducting maglev in 2003.
• High level performance low level maintenance.
ELECTROMAGNETIC SUSPENSION
• In current electromagnetic suspension (EMS) systems, the
train levitates above a steel rail while electromagnets,
attached to the train, are oriented toward the rail from below.
The system is typically arranged on a series of C-shaped arms,
with the upper portion of the arm attached to the vehicle, and
the lower inside edge containing the magnets. The rail is
situated between the upper and lower edges.
• The major advantage to suspended maglev systems is that
they work at all speeds.
• The major disadvantage is the less dynamic stability.
LINEAR MOTOR
• Its principle is similar to induction motor having linear stator
applied to the stator produces a constant speed magnetic
wave, which further produces a repulsive forces.

• Propulsion can be implemented by the use of two main

methods;
• Linear synchronous motor (LSM)
• Linear induction motor.
 ELECTRODYNAMIC SUSPENSION
• In electrodynamic suspension (EDS), both the rail and the train
exert a magnetic field, and the train is levitated by the
repulsive force between these magnetic fields. The magnetic
field in the train is produced by either superconducting
magnets (as in JR-Maglev) or by an array of permanent
magnets (as in Inductrack). The repulsive force in the track is
created by an induced magnetic field in wires or other
conducting strips in the track.
• A major advantage of the repulsive maglev systems is that
they are naturally stable.
• Low speed operation is difficult and needs a suspension
system to withstand the weight of the train.
MAGLEV
Electrodynamic Suspension
Electrodynamic Suspension
PROPULSION
An EDS system can provide both levitation and propulsion using
an onboard linear motor. EMS systems can only levitate the train
using the magnets onboard, not propel it forward. As such,
vehicles need some other technology for propulsion. A linear
motor (propulsion coils) mounted in the track is one solution.

GUIDANCE
Some systems use Null Current systems (also sometimes called
Null Flux systems); these use a coil which is wound so that it
enters two opposing, alternating fields, so that the average flux in
the loop is zero. When the vehicle is in the straight ahead
position, no current flows, but if it moves off-line this creates a
changing flux that generates a field that pushes it back into line.
ENERGY USAGE
Energy for maglev trains is used to accelerate the train, and may
be regained when the train slows down ("regenerative braking").
It is also used to make the train levitate and to stabilize the
movement of the train. The main part of the energy is needed to
force the train through the air ("air drag").

PROS & CONS

• The maintenance cost is less but the capital cost is high.
• Cannot operate on conventional tracks.
• System is very stable and dependable but very complicated.

REFERENCE
http://wikipedia.org
http://scribd.com
THANK YOU