Английский язык. Арланова Т.Л - 11 стр.

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11
Magnetic levitation train
A MAGLEV (magnetic levitation) train does not run along a track in the
normal way. Instead, magnetic fields lift it above the track, so that the train
'floats' along.
Because they have no wheels, axles, suspension, dampers, or brakes,
Maglev vehicles are light and compact. They are also pollution-free, as no
fuel is burned within the train, and cheap to maintain.
The Maglev system at Birmingham Airport carries passengers from the
terminal to the railway station and the National Exhibition Centre. The cars
are made of lightweight fibreglass, carried on an aluminium chassis. All the
electrical equipment which powers the cars is situated under the floors or the
seats. Each car can take 32 passengers and their luggage, up to a weight of
8 tonnes. The trains travel at a maximum speed of 42km/h.
A concrete guideway above the ground supports a T-shaped track for the
two-car Maglev trains. The train is lifted from the track by magnetic attraction.
This is the force by which two opposite magnetic poles attract each other (just
as two of the same poles 20 repel each other). Powerful electromagnets at
each corner of the train exert a pulling force which lifts the train upwards so
that it floats 15 mm above the track.
As people get on and off, the weight of the train varies. It may drop closer to
the track than the required 15mm, or rise further from it. To keep it at an
even distance from the track, the force is varied by a microprocessor.
Each train is driven by an electric motor called a linear induction motor.
Electromagnetic windings, or coils, on the train generate a magnetic field in
which the magnetic poles shift along the train. The field induces electric
current in the track, which in turn
generates its own magnetic field. The two fields in the track and the train
interact so that the shifting field pulls the floating train along the track.
Source: 'Inside out: Magnetic levitation train'. Education Guardian
Exercise 4. Make a list of the advantages of the Maglev train. You may use
the text to help you.
Exercise 5. Now list the disadvantages. You may use the text to help you.
Exercise 6. Look through the text once again and try to find things which can
be used with the attribute “magnetic”. Make up your own sentences with
these words and find the ones in the text.
Exercise 7. Dealing with unfamiliar words.
Answer this question using the extract from the text below.
Why are Maglev trains so light?
Because they have no wheels, axles, suspension, dampers, or brakes,
Maglev vehicles are light and compact.

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