Scientists test maglev train faster than a plane
May 2, 2018 1:59 PM
Chinese scientists have been testing a prototype of an ultra-high-speed train that could potentially travel faster than an aeroplane.
The cutting-edge model, called 'Super Maglev', is expected to reach 1,000km/h (620mph) under ideal condition - nearly three times faster than the current bullet trains in China - according to the Chinese state media.
This means if future experiments are successful, the futuristic train would be quicker than a Boeing 737, whose cruising speed is up to Mach 0.785 (960km/h).
It also means the train could travel from London to Paris in under 30 minutes.
WHAT ARE 'MAGLEV' TRAINS?
Maglev trains use magnets to lift the carriages above the track.
This eliminates the need for wheels and therefore any incidence of friction, providing a faster and quieter service.
Acceleration and deceleration far exceeds that of conventional trains.
And maglev also makes for much smoother journeys.
Right now speeds are limited at up to 400 kilometres (250 miles) per hour due to the excessive air resistance encountered at these speeds.
But vacuum tube designs could allow them to travel over seven times faster in the future.
The lab experiment is conducted by China's Southwest Jiaotong University in Sichuan Province. It's led by Professor Deng Zigang, who is an expert in magnetic levitation and traction power.
Prof. Deng, dubbed 'the railman' by Chinese media, has been running experiments on maglev trains for at least four years in the lab.
He and his team have made a model of a miniature one-seat maglev train and are carrying out the tests in a vacuum tube.
The vacuum tube is developed by the team and is the first high-temperature superconducting maglev test loop in China, according to a report on People's Daily Online.
The report said the 45-meter (147-foot) loop has a designed load capacity of 300 kilograms (661 pounds) and a maximum load of 1,000 kilograms (2,204 pounds).
According to Prof. Deng, the vacuum tube could reduce the resistance between the air and the train and the maglev technology could reduce the friction between the train and the track. Therefore, the environment could ensure the prototype would reach the greatest speed.
At present, Prof. Deng's prototype could levitate 20mm (0.8in) from the ground steadily and run 50km/h (31mph) while carrying a weight of one tonne.
The professor claimed that the technology could enable the train to travel at a speed greater than 1,000km/h.
In a recent interview with China Central Television Station, Prof. Deng said: 'This year, our plan is to build a prototype that could carry 20 people.'
This is not the only ultra-high-speed train China is developing.
Apparently, the train-mad nation is also developing a 'flying train' that's capable of travelling up to 4,000km/h (2,500mph).
The plan was revealed last August by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, a state-run company developing the nation's missile and space programmes.
China has the world's largest high-speed rail network. Its high-speed rail lines cover a total distance of 22,000 kilometers (13,670 miles), which is longer than the rest of the world's rail lines combined.
At present, China's high-speed passenger trains operate at a maximum speed of 350km/h (217mph) - that's from Shanghai to Beijing in 4.5 hours.
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