Talk:Maglev: Difference between revisions
Christopher Thomas (talk | contribs) Maglev/coilgun distinction question for space launches. |
Emccaughrin (talk | contribs) Energy consumption |
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The distinction between maglev trains and coilguns for launching payloads into space seems an artificial one, as both use linear induction motors to provide acceleration (a coilgun is only the motor part, with passive stabilization). --[[User:Christopher Thomas|Christopher Thomas]] 03:34, 23 Mar 2005 (UTC) |
The distinction between maglev trains and coilguns for launching payloads into space seems an artificial one, as both use linear induction motors to provide acceleration (a coilgun is only the motor part, with passive stabilization). --[[User:Christopher Thomas|Christopher Thomas]] 03:34, 23 Mar 2005 (UTC) |
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== Energy consumption == |
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The introduction to this entry states that maglev vehicles can travel at extremely high speeds (404 mph) with "resonable" energy consumption because there is no contact between the vehicle and the track. In fact, wheel friction was never the issue. Rather, the problem is air friction, which goes up geometrically -- thus, any train running at those kinds of speeds would <b>not</b> have "reasonable" energy consumption (i.e. would not be commercially viable). |
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Furthermore, the claim that maglev allows for far faster speeds than what is possible conventional rail is debateable as TGV's have run as fast as 320mph under test conditions. |
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[[User:Emccaughrin|Emccaughrin]] |
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Revision as of 06:42, 4 April 2005
The distinction between maglev trains and coilguns for launching payloads into space seems an artificial one, as both use linear induction motors to provide acceleration (a coilgun is only the motor part, with passive stabilization). --Christopher Thomas 03:34, 23 Mar 2005 (UTC)
Energy consumption
The introduction to this entry states that maglev vehicles can travel at extremely high speeds (404 mph) with "resonable" energy consumption because there is no contact between the vehicle and the track. In fact, wheel friction was never the issue. Rather, the problem is air friction, which goes up geometrically -- thus, any train running at those kinds of speeds would not have "reasonable" energy consumption (i.e. would not be commercially viable).
Furthermore, the claim that maglev allows for far faster speeds than what is possible conventional rail is debateable as TGV's have run as fast as 320mph under test conditions.