The development of Linear Motors 

Have you seen those extraordinary "maglev" (magnetic levitation) trains that float on air instead of rolling on wheels? They're entirely electric but, instead of using ordinary electric motors that spin around, they use a kind of "unwrapped" motor called a linear motor that causes them to move at high speed in a straight line. What are linear motors and how do they work? Let's take a closer look!

What are linear motors?

Linear motors are electric induction motors that produce motion in a straight line rather than rotational motion. In a traditional electric motor, the rotor (rotating part) spins inside the stator (static part); in a linear motor, the stator is unwrapped and laid out flat and the "rotor" moves past it in a straight line. Linear motors often use superconducting magnets, which are cooled to low temperatures to reduce power consumption.

In a  Normal motor the rotor spins inside the stator and the whole motor is fixed in place.  A linear motor is like a normal electric motor that has been unwrapped and laid in a straight line. Now the rotor moves past the stator as it turns.

But has anyone thought of doing the reverse, that is, having a rotatiing magnetic field (the rotor) and using a steel rail (the track on a railway) as the fixed stationary part?   There is no doubt that magnetic fields (electro- magnetic tecnology) is the way of the future.    It is environmental friendly and the answer to polution caused by other means of traction.  

Is there anyone interested?

Authors: Chris Woodford and Cled Griffin

PS..... Is the development of LINEAR MOTORS beng surpressed by the oli industry?