This book provides a comprehensive overview of magnetic levitation
(Maglev) technologies, from fundamental principles through to the
state-of-the-art, and describes applications both realised and under
development.



It includes a history of Maglev science and technology showing the
various milestones in its advancement. The core concepts, operating principles
and main challenges of Maglev applications attempted across various fields are
introduced and discussed. The principle difficulties encountered when applying
Maglev technology to different systems, namely air gap control and
stabilization, are addressed in detail. The book describes how
major advancements in linear motor and magnet technologies have enabled
the development of the linear-motor-powered Maglev train, which has a high
speed advantage over conventional wheeled trains and has the potential to reach
speed levels achieved by aircraft. However, many expect that Maglev
technology to be a green technology that is applied not only in rail transportation,
but also in diverse other fields; to ensure clean transfer in LCD
manufacturing, in ropeless high speed elevators, small capacity rail
transportation, space vehicle launchers, missile testers, energy storage, and
so on. These potential applications and their unique challenges and proposed
technological solutions are introduced and discussed in depth.



The book will provide readers from academia, research institutes and
industry with insights on where and how to apply Maglev technology, and will
serve as a guide to the realization of their Maglev applications.