China has just completed the road test for their first-ever maglev vehicle, as reported by South China Morning Post. The vehicle was developed by researchers from Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu.
The maglev vehicle comes with permanent electromagnets that are guided by conducting rails on a specific part of the Gaochu-Xuancheng Expressway located in Jiangsu province.
The Next Step
Following the test, the researchers' next step is to develop the actual vehicle that will provide support for maglev cars in the country.
In the past years, China has become a leader in maglev transport. It can be noted that in 2014, the country unveiled its first-ever commercial maglev line in Shanghai in 2004 that uses German technology. On the other hand, earlier this year, the country's finished a series of tests for its first commercial maglev train that works even without a driver on board. The maglev train can be controlled by a ground system.
Currently, the country is speeding up the construction of urban metropolitan areas and municipal railways. The trains were expected to be deployed on intercity and urban lines and run at 50-200 km/h.
The researchers are also working on high-speed maglev trains that can reach up to 600km/h. Last July, one underwent a series of tests in Qingdao, Shandong province.
Should a high-speed maglev train come to reality, there will be a shorter travel time between Beijing and Shanghai.
Also, last month, China launched its first maglev line, the Red Rail, built with permanent magnets. It is located in Jiangxi province. It operates about ten meters above the ground at runs at a speed of 80km/h.
Also Read: Japan's New MagLev Bullet Train Just Hit 300+ MPH
The Rise of Maglev
Maglev technology is the third mode of transportation after rail and road. It runs without wheels, electromagnetic suspension. It is considered to be more efficient than conventional rail transit systems.
Maglev will bring a future of highly efficient transportation systems, not only in China but also in other neighboring countries that are interested in the technology. It is believed to be safer, faster, and more reliable compared to other modes of transportation. It will also bring faster acceleration, deceleration, and a smoother ride.
Maglev is the short form for "magnetic levitation." It is a type of transport that is based on technology that uses magnetic levitation to propel vehicles.
Maglev is able to "fly" on tracks at a constant speed by using magnets. These magnets repel and attract each other in accordance with their polarity.
The train is able to run quietly because there is no physical contact with the tracks. This means that there will be no friction and mechanical wear. This also means that the cost of operations is lower. It can run fast without making noise and vibration.
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Written by April Fowell
