Maglev Cobra

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The Maglev Cobra is a Brazilian maglev train, which was developed at UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) by Coppe (Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering) and by the Polytechnic School through the LASUP (Laboratory of Applications of Superconductors).[1][2]

The Brazilian train, like the German maglev, floats on the tracks, having friction only with the air during its displacement. It is based on levitation by superconductivity (which means its floor needs to be fueled with liquid nitrogen), moving without friction with the ground through a short primary linear motor, thereby avoiding greenhouse gas emissions, and noise pollution.[2][3][4][5][6][7]

Overview[edit]

The prototype was presented in 2009 by the professor who created the project, Richard Stephen, which consisted of creating the first route within the university, and a module (wagon) with capacity for 28 people that would travel at 30 km/h.[8]

In 2018, the test line was being operated in the testing phase in a 200-meter stretch, on the premises of the University City of UFRJ, connecting two buildings of the Technological Center and transporting more than a thousand students everyday. Having successfully completed the testing phase, the University has issued an application for international certification and is awaiting the result of its approval to begin with its industrial production.[7]

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic ended up making it difficult for UFRJ to search for partners in order to enable the expansion of Maglev, the project that could be a cheaper and more sustainable option for public transport is currently abandoned in Rio de Janeiro, due to lack of investments.[9]

Superconductivity-based levitation[edit]

For more information, see Superconductivity.

Its levitation occurs due to a superconducting ceramic plate which is cooled with nitrogen and, when approaching magnetized rails by means of magnets – made from an alloy of neodymium (Nd), iron (Fe) and boron (B) –, it causes the effect of levitation. The researchers carry out bench tests with the isolated components, including a module that was able to support the weight of six adults, to then assemble the vehicle and test all the interconnected components.[5][4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Brasilien startet Bau der ersten Magnetschwebebahn » latinapress Nachrichten". latina-press.com (in German). 2013-05-24. Retrieved 2022-06-22.
  2. ^ a b "Trem de levitação magnética abre as portas para o público na UFRJ". O Globo (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2016-02-16. Retrieved 2022-06-22.
  3. ^ "Na Olimpíada do Rio, atletas vão usar ônibus ecológico". Agência Brasil (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2016-03-08. Retrieved 2022-06-22.
  4. ^ a b Globo, Agência O. "Projeto brasileiro de trem de levitação magnética é o primeiro a transportar passageiros com essa tecnologia". Época Negócios (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2022-06-22.
  5. ^ a b "O trem brasileiro que flutua". Revista Galileu. 24 July 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2022.
  6. ^ Tecnológica, Site Inovação (2009-06-10). "Começa fabricação do primeiro trem brasileiro de levitação magnética". Site Inovação Tecnológica (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2022-06-22.
  7. ^ a b "Tecnologia traz segurança e eficiência à mobilidade". G1 (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2022-06-22.
  8. ^ "G1 > Edição Rio de Janeiro - NOTÍCIAS - UFRJ apresenta protótipo de trem de levitação magnética". g1.globo.com.
  9. ^ "Sustainable, low-cost train project is stalled due to lack of investment". g1.globo.com.

Further reading[edit]

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