Read about this very interesting application of a unique permanent magnet
array developed by Lawrence Livermore Laboratories in the Jan 2000 issue of
Scientific American. (sorry this article is not on web - hard copy article
title: MAGLEV: A New Approach)
It uses an array of rare earth permanent magnets (Neodymium Iron Boron), in a
very interesting configuration to get levitation in a much simpler way than
other systems. Very promising alternative to many problems with
superconducting magnets. It seems to follow the KISS principle! Amazing to
see some of our tax dollars being spent wisely!!
I guess not all "conventional" scientists are impractical. These guys are by
their own words are using new materials, new technology, and NEW IDEAS, to
come up with something simpler and more efficient, and with built in,
automatic fail safe.
I was intrigued by this "magnet array" configuration, which are called
"Halbach Arrays" after retired Livermore scientist Klaus Halbach, who
developed them for use in particle accelerators.
I have spent all morning analyzing them with Quickfield, a finite element
analysis program, and there is something very odd about the resulting fields
- these arrays may actually serve as "proof" that a magnetic field is really
a flow of some "medium", with a difference in properties between the "inflow"
and "outflow" poles!
So far, I can see no other explanation for why they concentrate the flux on
only one side of the array, except for a fluid dynamics explanation.
I am working on a simple web page to show what I mean, and will post it
later, for comments.
Meanwhile, you can check out some details of this maglev project at the
following:
http://www.llnl.gov/str/Post.html
And another very promising application of these arrays in an
electromechanical battery - with WAY BETTER promise than any other "battery"
system.
<<A New Look at an Old Idea: The Electromechanical Battery
(pdf file, 413K)
A new breed of Livermore-developed, flywheel-based energy storage systems
uses new materials, new technologies, and new thinking to develop a new
electromechanical battery (EMB). Its efficiency is measured in terms of
specific power of 5 to 10 kW/kg, energy recovery of 90 to 95%, specific
energy of 100 Wh/kg, and a service lifetime estimated to be over ten years.
The EMB's strength lies in its integrated system, which employs a high-speed
rotor made of graphite fiber composite, magnetic bearings, and a magnet
design that applies the Halbach magnet array. Livermore CRADAs with Trinity
Flywheel Batteries, Westinghouse Electric, and General Motors are focusing on
the end uses of the EMB in cars, load leveling for electric utilities, and
bulk energy storage. >>
See the article here:
<A HREF="http://www.llnl.gov/str/pdfs/04_96.2.pdf">http://www.llnl.gov/str/pd
fs/04_96.2.pdf</A>
It is good to see that there IS still much discovery that can be had with a
new perspective on the same old stuff!
Sincerely,
DMBoss1021
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