Summary of Bullet Train operation and a little bit of histry
...trains to 137 mph. In 1982, the fist Shinkansen began operating in north Japan. This was the Tohoku Shinkansen, which ran from Tokyo to Morioka to Joetsu and ended in Niigata. Bullet trains use a system of electromagnetic repulsion and attraction. If you have ever seen bar magnets in action, you know that opposite poles attract and like poles repel. This is the main idea behind electromagnets, except the magnetic field is created only when a voltage is passing through a wire. There are three main components to the bullet train system. The first component is a large electrical power source. This provides enough voltage to support the heavy train. The second component is the system of metal coils that run through the tracks (fig 1). The third component consists of the guidance magnets that are attached to underside of the train. The magnets are attached to springs that are dispersed throughout the underside of the train. This creates a nice smooth ride. The major difference between a bullet train and a conventional train is that bullet trains (maglev trains) do not have an engine. Instead of burning fossil fuels to propel the train, the magnetic field created by the highly electrified coils will propel the train. The alternating electric current flowing through the coils changes the polarity of the magnetized coils. These changes in polarity causes the magnetic field in front of the train to pull the vehicle, while the field behind it will create more thrust by pushing it. Germany and Japan are both developing maglev technologies. Although they are based on similar concepts, German and Japanese trains have apparent differences. In Germany, engineers are developing an electromagnetic suspension (EMS) system, called Transrapid, which is based on the attraction forces of magnets. In this system, the bottom of the train wraps around the steel guide way. Electromagnets attached to the train’s undercarriage are attracted upwards to the magnets inside the guide way. This action levitates the train about a third of an inch above the guide way. This also keeps the train levitated while it is not moving. There are other magnets embedded in the train’s body which keeps it stable during travel. Germany has proven that this train can reach 300 mph while people are on board. In case of a power loss, the EMS system is equipped with a back...