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Magnetic propulsion Systems

Colin Greenwood. Magnetic propulsion Systems. What is it?.

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Magnetic propulsion Systems

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  1. Colin Greenwood Magnetic propulsion Systems

  2. What is it? Magnetic propulsion uses the concepts and applications of electromagnets in order to propel an object. This technology is not necessarily a new one, the idea and research on using magnetic propulsion has been researched in the US since the 1920’s. The technology is advancing in three main fields: • Magnetic levitation trains (Maglev) • Weaponry (Rail gun) • Propulsion systems for space travel Transrapid 05, Hamburg, German 1979

  3. Magnetic Levitation Train • Trains have no steel wheels or traditional tracks, use magnetic forces to “float” above track. • The car’s float on a cushion of air 1-10cm thick, this eliminates friction allowing trains to safely reach speeds of 310mph. At this speed you could travel from Denver to LA in just over two hours. • The trains obtain thrust from the alternating currents flowing through the propulsion coils acting on the large magnets mounted to the train undercarriage. • Maglev trains use large amounts of power, typically 3-4 times what a typical subway train uses. • Several Japanese companies have started using super-cooled superconducting electromagnets to cut electricity costs. First commercial maglev train, Pudong International Airport, Shanghai. 2003

  4. Electromagnetic Rail Gun • A rail gun is basically a large electric circuit, made up of three parts: a power source, a pair of parallel rails and a moving armature. • The power supply for a large rail gun is in the millions of amps, propelling projectiles at speeds approaching mach 7, hitting at 5 300 miles away. • New generation all-electric naval ships can produce amperage needed by diverting power from their propulsion systems temporarily. • Major problems to overcome: • Excessive heat is produced in the rails causing deformation • Extreme polar forces will cause rails to bend and deform away from each other • Huge power requirements need equally huge capacitors • Research is costly, total research costs by 2011 predicted at $276 million.

  5. Potential future Space Propulsion • The US Department of Energy, NASA and Boeing are working on using superconductors and high power solid state switches to harness the power magnetic propulsion. • Superconductors cooled to -450 F with liquid helium vibrate rapidly for 100 nanoseconds after a current is applied. • The goal is to harness this vibration directionally producing thrust. • Advanced solid state switches switch the power supply on and off 400,000 times per second producing steady thrust. • Predictions put the systems capable of 1% the speed of light. • System requires 30 amps and 9,000 volts planned to be powered by a small nuclear reactor.

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