MAGNETIC LEVITATION

                                                          
                 Magnetic  levitation is a one of the application of super conductors.We know that a super conducting material shows the Meissner effect. Due to this effect, super conducting materials strongly repel external magnets. This leads to a levitation effect.
               When a magnet is placed over a super conductor, it floats as shown as in the figure.
                                            
       This phenomenon is known as magnetic levitation. This principle used in magnetically levitated trains (SUPER FAST TRAINS).
                                          

MAGNETIC LEVITATED TRAIN (Maglev Train)
       The magnetic levitated train does not move over the rails but it floats above the rails.
                                                                     
                                         
DESCRIPTION AND WORKING
      This train has super conducting magnets built into its base. An aluminium guideway, above which the train will be set afloat by magnetic levitation.
                                   

     Magnetic levitation is brought about by enormous repulsion between two highly powerful magnetic fields, one produced by the super conducting magnet inside the train and the other by the electric current in the aluminium guideway.
                                                 
                                           
 

                  
      The current in the guideway produces the necessary magnetic field to levitate the train and helps in propelling the train forward.
                                  
   
      A prototype maglev train constructed in Japan which reached a speed surpassing 507 km / hour.  The super conducting magnets were cooled with liquid helium.
                                           
      A maglev train is expected to begin service between Osaka and Tokyo.