Magnetic levitation, also known as maglev or magnetic suspension, is a technology that uses magnetic fields to suspend an object with no support other than magnetic forces. The magnetic force is used to counteract the effects of the gravitational force and any other forces. The two primary issues involved in magnetic levitation are lifting forces, which provide an upward force sufficient to counteract gravity, and stability, which ensures that the system does not spontaneously slide or flip into a configuration where the lift is neutralized. Magnetic levitation is used for various purposes, including maglev trains, contactless melting, magnetic bearings, and product display purposes.
Maglev trains are a popular application of magnetic levitation technology. They use two sets of magnets, one set to repel and push the train up off the track, and another set to move the train forward. Superconducting magnets are used to suspend the train car above a U-shaped concrete guideway. The magnets employed are superconducting, which means that when they are cooled to less than 450 degrees Fahrenheit below zero, they can generate magnetic fields up to 10 times stronger than ordinary electromagnets, enough to lift and propel the train forward. One of the main benefits of maglev trains is the lack of friction, which allows them to travel faster, quieter, and smoother than traditional wheeled mass transit systems.
