MAGNETIC LEVITATION TRAINS: IMPACT ON ECOSYSTEM
This research examines the concept and technology of the magnetic levitation (Maglev) train with an objective of assessing the impact of the Maglev train on the ecosystem. The "ecosystem," for purposes of this research is defined broadly to include economic, environmental, political, population, and technological contexts.
Maglev: Concept, Technology, and Development
The Maglev train is a "super high-speed transport system with a non-adhesive drive system that is independent of wheel-and-rail frictional forces" (Railway Technical Research Institute, 1997b, p. 1). The Maglev train represents a combination of superconducting magnets and linear motor technology, which is able to deliver "super high-speed running, safety, reliability, low environmental impact and minimum maintenance" (Railway Technical Research Institute, 1997b, p. 1).
Research and development of Maglev technology for rail transportation began in 1970 by the Japanese National Railways. A test vehicle succeeded in a levitated run in 1972. A seven-kilometer test line track was opened by the Railway Technical Research Institute of the Japanese National Railways in 1977. A speed of 517 km/h (321.3 miles/h) was attained by a test vehicle on the test track in 1979. A three-car test train registered a 352.4 km/h (219 miles/h) run in 1986, while a two-car test train recorded 400.8 km/h (249.1 miles/h) run the following year. By 1994, a three-car test train registered a 431 km/h (267.8 miles/h) run (Railway Technical Research Institute, 1997a, p. 1).
A Maglev train has no wheels. Rather, a Maglev train is suspended by magnetic repulsion, while it is docked by magnetic attraction (Scott, 1995).
The development of the superconducting Maglev is "enhancing expectations for ultra-high-speed mass transport systems in the 21st century. Immeasurable economic effects will result from the connection in an hour of majo...