Maglev

This project is about the magnetic levitation technology used in trains all around the world. We took inspiration from the magnetic train built in Japan which is named Maglev. Friction is the biggest dissipation force that wastes energy; and our main goal is to make the train levitate and to make it move with a mechanic force.

100 small neodimium magnets (2x0.2x0.5cm)

15 medium neodimium magnets (0.5x3x0.7cm)

thin metal rods, obtained from a bike wheel (spokes)

cardboard for the train shafts

duct tape

toothpicks

polystirene for the base and decorations

hot glue

ductile metal thread for the wagon links

play dough for the train decoration

paint

plastic electrical conduit

The electrical conduit is cutted in sections of about 10cm for the wagon's bases.

Some cardboard is glued in place forming the main shaft.

In the underside three medium neodimium magnets are glued orthogonal to the direction of the train.

The duct tape is applied all around the wagon, giving a more polished look. Play dough is used to make decortions.

Using the hot glue, 5cm sections of the thin metal rods are inserted and glued orthogonal to the floor and aligned with each other using the toothpicks that reinforce structure.

Two locomotives and a middle wagon are realized and linked togheter using the ductile metal rod shaped in hooks.

Polystirene is cutted forming two equal rectangular track sides and a thinner base on which the two sides are glued in place. A small gap is left between the track sides, giving the train's metal rods only a small wobble space. The small neodimium magnets are glued in an interlaced pattern on the track sides, and we also build two lines of magnets, for more balance . The most important thing is checking the poles of the magnets, because we want the train and the track to have the same poles, so it creates a repulsive force between the train and the track .

After building the track and the train, and after making sure that we have in both sides the same poles, we are ready to assemble all the structure. So we have to pick a base where we are going to glue the sides of the track with a small wobble space in the middle. Before, we have to cover the middle part with the carboard of the train shafts, and in that way we have the recess smooth enough to make the train slip.