China’s Donghu Laboratory has tested an experimental maglev train weighing just over one ton. On a test section only 600 meters long, the train managed to reach a speed of 650 km/h in 7 seconds, setting a record. Such acceleration was made possible thanks to linear motors and magnetic systems that lift the train above the rails, informs Interesting Engineering.
During testing, braking from record speed took only 200 meters. This is ensured by a high-precision computer control system that monitors the position of the train with an accuracy of a few millimeters. That is why starting and stopping is extremely fast and safe.
Tracks with a length of tens of kilometers are usually built for such tests, but in China they decided to build a compact test track only 1 km long. It is specially designed for multiple accelerations and decelerations, which makes it possible to conduct tests more often and more economically. This format also allows for active experimentation with various aspects: train design, electronics and cooling systems.
The success of Donghu’s lab proves that impressive speeds can be safely achieved even in a confined area. In the future, these technologies will contribute to the development of high-speed, convenient and affordable transport around the world.
China is already a leader in the introduction of maglevs: in Shanghai, a magnetic train runs daily at a speed of 430 km/h, and even faster models are under development. In particular, concepts of vacuum trains capable of accelerating to 1000 km/h are being considered.
