This magnetic train today, using maglev technology by Siemens and ThyssenKrupp, which crashed in Lathen, northwestern Germany, killing one and with more deaths expected, can reach 270 mph. One such train in Shanghai caught fire last month. Let me go over that again. A magnetic train? Held to the rail by magnetism? At 270 mph? About 400 kph. Are they crazy? Er- can’t magnetic fields be broken? Forgive my ignorance but would you travel on a train at that speed, knowing it’s only hanging on by magnetism? More praying required this evening.
Friday, September 22, 2006
[tragedy] magnetic train derails in germany
This magnetic train today, using maglev technology by Siemens and ThyssenKrupp, which crashed in Lathen, northwestern Germany, killing one and with more deaths expected, can reach 270 mph. One such train in Shanghai caught fire last month. Let me go over that again. A magnetic train? Held to the rail by magnetism? At 270 mph? About 400 kph. Are they crazy? Er- can’t magnetic fields be broken? Forgive my ignorance but would you travel on a train at that speed, knowing it’s only hanging on by magnetism? More praying required this evening.
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James, are you being ironic?
ReplyDeleteMaglev is magnetic levitation i.e. the train is raised by magnetic force thus moving with least friction possible. If the power(to create the magnetic field) failed the train should roll to a stop. I am not an engineer but suspect a failure in the infrastructure.
ScotsToryB
James,
ReplyDeleteAs you can see from the picture, it isn't held on by magnetism; it is levitated and propelled by magnetism.
Information here.
DK