Maglev train researchers may have solved 'tunnel boom' shock waves
17 days ago
- #transport innovation
- #high-speed rail
- #maglev
- China's latest maglev train prototype can travel at 600km/h, but faces 'tunnel boom' issues.
- Tunnel booms are shock waves caused by air compression when high-speed trains enter tunnels, posing safety and noise concerns.
- Researchers found that soundproofing buffers at tunnel mouths can reduce shock waves by up to 96%.
- The new 100-meter-long porous buffers and tunnel coatings allow trapped air to escape, suppressing booms.
- Maglev trains use magnetic levitation (EMS or EDS) to eliminate friction, enabling higher speeds than conventional rail.
- China's first maglev (2004) used German tech, but development shifted to conventional high-speed rail afterward.
- CRRC's new maglev model (2021) offers a quieter, smoother ride, with potential Beijing-Shanghai routes cutting travel time to 2.5 hours.
- Maglevs emit less CO2 than flights, with China's high-speed rail being cheaper and greener than air travel.
- Japan's Chuo Shinkansen maglev (planned) aims to cut Tokyo-Osaka travel time to 67 minutes, but faces delays.