Magnetic levitation

Introduction
Definition of Magnetic Levitation
Magnetic levitation, maglev or magnetic suspension is a method by which an object is
suspended
with no support other than magnetic fields. Magnetic force is used to counteract the effect of
gravitational force.

The Difference between levitation and suspension

Magnetic Levitation:
If an object is kept in air using the force of repulsion given from the
bottom of the object then it is known as magnetic levitation.

Magnetic Suspension:
If an object is suspended using the force of attraction applied from/top of the object then it is
known
as magnetic suspension.
Area of Attraction:
The main area of attraction in the field of magnetic levitation is as a means of eliminating
friction
or physical contact.
As a means of eliminating friction magnetic levitation gives its use in magnetic bearing.
As a means of eliminating physical contact magnetic levitation gives its use in magnetic
levitated
Trains .
Uses of magnetic levitation
Magnetic levitation finds its application in following applications:
Maglev trains: For high speed ground transportation maglev trains are designed to take
Advantage of magnetic levitation.

Contactless Melting: Metal having high resistance can be levitated and melt in magnetic
field.
Magnetic Bearing: For rotating machines to stabilize shaft without friction and contact
magnetic bearing are used.

Product Display Purpose: For displaying the product by levitating it in air.

Issues : Primary issues involved in magnetic levitation are stability and lifting force. Lifting force
should be sufficient to provide upward force to counteract gravity. Stability to ensure that the
system does not slide or flip into a configuration when lift is neutralized.
Methods for Magnetic Levitation: For Stable and successful levitation and control of all 6 axes
by combination of permanent magnets, diamagnets, electromagnets and superconductors by
using force of attraction or repulsion can be used. From Earnshaw's theorem at least one
stable axe should be present to levitate an object.
Mechanical Constraint: Mechanical constraint deals with levitation using two permanent
magnets. Both magnets are permanent therefore by Earnshaw's theorem it can't be made
stable without any external support.
Direct Diamagnetic Levitation Direct diamagnetic levitation is done by a diamagnetic material
and permanent magnet. It is because of the property of diamagnetic material to repel magnet.
Superconductors: Superconductors levitates when it kept on magnetic track made using strong
magnets and combination of force of repulsion and attraction. The Meissner Effect Magnet
Superconductor, Liquld Nitrogen
Diamagnetically Stabilized levitation: In this method permanent magnet is levitated using
various configuration of diamagnetic materials.
Rotational Stabilization: It is also known as spin stabilized magnetic levitation. Happens when
the forces acting on the levitating object- gravitational, magnetic, and gyroscopie-are in
equilibrium. Earnshaw's theorem says it is impossible.
Servo Stabilization: The attraction from a fixed strength magnet decreases with increased
distance, and increases at closer distances. This is unstable. For a stable system, the opposite is
needed, variations from Q stable position should push it back to the target position. Stable
magnetic levitation can be achieved by measuring the position and speed of the object being
levitated, and using a feedback loop which continuously adjusts one or more electromagnets to
correct the object's motion, thus forming a servomechanism.
Maglev Trains uses servo mechanism.
Rotating conductors beneath magnets: In this type of method conductors are rotated and
because of their rotation it cuts the magnetic flux and emf induced which opposes main field
and hence it levitates.
High-frequency oscillating electromagnetic fields: High frequency oscillating electromagnetic
fields which are created by ac current, induces eddy currents in conducting material and
levitates it.
Applications of Magnetic Levitation
Magnetic Bearing
Maglev Train
Maglev wind turbine
Maglev Fan
Flying Car
Flywheels
1 maglev trains
Maglev Train MAGLEV – MAGnetic + LEVitation
History of Maglev trains:
In the 1960s in Britain Eric Laithwaite developed a functional maglev train. His maglev had 1.6
km of track and was in detail tested. His research was stopped in 1973 because lack of money
and his progress was not enough. In the 1970s, Germany and Japan also began research and
after some failures both nations developed mature technologies in the 1990's. Figure 5.2 Eric
Laithwaite

Basic Principle Maglev Trains: Maglev trains have to perform the following function to operate
in high speed.

Levitation
Proplusion
Guidance
How does it work? A maglev train floats about 10mm above the guide way on a magnetic field.
It is propelled by the guideway itself rather than an onboard engine by changing magnetic
fields.
Once the train is pulled into the next section the magnetism switches so that the train is pulled
on again. The Electro-magnets run the length of the guideway
Types of Maglev Trains:
Based on the technique used for Levitation the are two types of Maglev trains
1. Electromagnetic Suspension – Attractive
2. Electrodynamic Suspension – Repulsive

EMS Technique
In the EMS-attractive system, the electromagnets which do the work of levitation are attached
on the top side of a casing that extends below and then curves back up to the rail that is in the
center of the track.
EDS Technique Electrodynamic Suspension uses Superconductors for levitation, propulsion and
lateral guidance
Pros and Cons of Different Technologies
Table Pros and Cons of Different Technologies

Propulsion:
The propulsion coils located on the sidewalls on both sides of the guideway are energized by a
three-phase alternating current from a substation, creating a shifting magnetic field on the
guideway.
The on-board superconducting magnets are attracted and pushed by the shifting field,
propelling the Maglev vehicle.
Braking is accomplished by sending an alternating current in the reverse direction so that it is
slowed by attractive and repulsive forces.
Propulsion Force:
This is a horizontal force which causes the movement of train. It requires 3 parameters.
Large electric power supply
Metal coil lining, a guide way or track.
Large magnet attached under the vehicle.
Techniques of propulsion:
Maglev vehicles are propelled primarily by one of the following three options:
a. Linear synehronous motor (LSM) in which coils in the guide way are excited by a three phase
winding to produce a traveling wave at the speed desired; Trans Rapid in Germany employs
such a system.
b. Linear Induction Motor (LIM) in which an electromagnet underneath the vehicle induces
current in an aluminium sheet on the guide way.
c. Reluctanee motor is employed in which active coils on the vehicle are pulsed at the proper
time to realize thrust.
Principle of Guidance:
Principle of Lateral Guidance: When one side of the train nears the side of the guideway, the
super conducting magnet on the train induces a repulsive force from the levitation coils on the
side closer to the train and an attractive force from the coils on the farther side.
This keeps the train in the center.

Principle of Vertical Guidance:

The electromagnets on the underside of the train pull it up to the ferromagnetic stators on the
track and levitate the train.
The magnets on the side keep the train from moving from side to side.
Advantages:

 The train is earthquake proof because the greater space (10 cm) between the track and
the train leaves more room for track deformation.
 Only the part of the track that is used will be electrified so no energy is wasted.
 Its top speed with people aboard is 350 mph.
 Since there is no friction these trains can reach high speeds.
 It is a safe and efficient way to travel.
Economic Aspect:

 The initial investment is similar to other high speed rail roads.

 Operating expenses are half of that of other railroads.
 A train is composed of sections that each contain 100 seats, and a train can have
between 2 and 10 sections.
 The linear generators produce electricity for the cabin of the train, Thus it alse
consumes the energy.
Current Projects:
Currently operational systems include Transrapid (Germany) and High Speed Surface Transport
(Japan). There are several other projects under scrutiny such as the SwissMetro, Seraphim and
Inductrack. All have to do with personal rapid transit. • Germany and Japan have been the
pioneering countries in MagLev research.