Magnetic Levitation
Magnetic levitation sounds like either science fiction or magic. But for the 42 Semester at Sea voyagers who participated in the field program put together by Professor Thomas Guenther , magnetic levitation is a high-speed train that uses magnetic fields for suspension, propulsion and guidance.
While the concept of using magnetic force as a means of conveyance has been in existence for decades, there have been few practical applications of the technology.
The Maglev Demonstration Project runs between the Long Yang Yu Metro Station in the Pudong New Area area in eastern Shanghai and Pudong International Airport. Reaching sustained speeds of 430 kilometers per hour, the aerodynamic train covers the 30 km distance(approximately 18.8 miles) in a little more than seven minutes. The ride is smooth as the train glides along an elevated track with the primary sensation of speed occurring as the two trains going in opposite directions pass in a blur at a combined speed of 860 km per hour.
Students learned that the project was begun in 2000, completed in about two and a half years at a cost of approximately $1.3 billion U S and has a project pay-back period of 40 years.. The line was opened for regularly scheduled public passenger operation in October 2003.
To date, there are no active expansion plans as a proposed extension from Shanghai to Hangzhou has been put on hold. The current Maglev is the only line in commercial service in the world.
Semester at Sea voyagers found the experience to be both exciting and educational – providing a glimpse of one non-traditional alternative for high speed mass transit.