World's fastest electromagnetic propulsion system

China has successfully tested an electromagnetic sled that can propel the cargo compartment at 1,030 km/h, close to the speed of sound.

The electromagnetic sled, built in Jinan, Shandong province by the Institute of Electrical Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will provide testing conditions and support research into high-grade materials, aerospace and super-high-speed traffic, South China Morning Post on October 21 reported. Unlike rocket sleds, the carriage of the electromagnetic sled does not contain fuel, has a faster response speed and is easier to control.

The facility provides scientists with the opportunity to solve common highway traffic problems such as material characteristics, aerodynamics, and control system alignment. The achievements that contribute to the new speed record will help develop new transport technology, including trains and planes, CCTV reports. The Jinan facility is the world's first ground-based super-high-speed vehicle testing facility to use electromagnetic fields.

To propel a cargo compartment weighing several tons at record speeds, the team said they had to overcome major technical and technological challenges such as the design and construction of high-thrust linear engines and electrical systems. 100 megawatts. The power supply for the base consists of two main components, a coil located inside the carrier and a groove for a strong magnetic field. When current in the coil is turned on, the magnetic field produces an electromagnetic force that pushes the carrier forward.

The same mechanism is used in electromagnetic guns, where the barrel acts as a groove for the bullet. By hovering above the tracks, maglev trains have lower friction, higher speeds and less pollution. This type of train also generates less noise and vibration, providing a more comfortable ride. The $456.58 million project could play an important role in building China's high-speed maglev train.

Previously, scientists developed an electrical control system for the world's first 600 km/h maglev traffic system in Qingdao, Shandong province. That pilot project ends in July 2021. The fastest commercial maglev in operation, built by Shanghai Transrapid with German technology, can reach speeds of 431 km/h. The system operates on a 30 km long track between the city airport and the transfer station. According to some experts, China is planning to open new maglev lines over long distances.