Although most commonly used to open sliding doors or in factory applications, linear motors are being considered for use in the field of rapid public transport, as shown in the illustration. A passenger carriage (1) carries a set of powerful electromagnets (2) to lift and propel the vehicle, and a second set to guide and provide additional braking force (3). The track contains a series of electromagnets (4) that are energized to a polarity opposing the ones in the vehicle slightly ahead of the carriage (5). The magnetic forces lift the carriage and pull it forward. As it does so, the magnets ahead of the vehicle are switched on to continue to attract it forward, (6) while the magnets behind the vehicle have their polarity reversed (7) to help repel the magnets in the car and push it forward.
Related categories• ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM
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