Designing and Testing Maglev Train Prototypes
Students discover how electric and magnetic fields exert forces on objects by using the engineering design process to design and build a small model maglev train. Students add weight, such as pennies, to test how much their model can hold. Through this hands-on activity, students gain a deeper understanding of magnetic repulsion and attraction. They identify and describe contact and non-contact forces by investigating the properties of magnets and their interactions.
Example of maglev testing track.Copyright Karen Merritt
Maglev trains are related to engineering because their design and operation involve advanced principles of physics, materials science, and technology. Maglev, short for magnetic levitation, uses powerful magnets to lift and propel the train, allowing it to float above the tracks without touching them. This eliminates friction, which allows the trains to travel at very high speeds. Engineers design and build the magnetic systems (using superconducting magnets or electromagnets), control systems for smooth operation, and track infrastructure that supports the magnets' interaction. Additionally, engineers must consider factors such as aerodynamics, safety, energy efficiency, and environmental impact in the development of maglev technology. The innovative use of magnets in maglev trains represents the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe how a maglev train works.
- Identify and describe contact and non-contact forces of magnets.
- Use the engineering design process to create and test a maglev prototype by using magnets’ repulsion and attraction properties.