Train Design:
One of the most notable pros of using a maglev train is that the magnets eliminate the friction of wheels with the tracks. This results in a higher top speed. In addition to the magnetic levitation, the shape of the train also affects the speed because of air resistance.
Regular trains such as the ones that one can find in the subways of New York usually have more of a square shape. This is mainly because the train is underground and does not encounter as much air resistance as trains in the open. The average speed of NY subway trains specifically is 17 mph. Below is an image of an NYC subway train and a gif that shows the average speed of said train.
https://www.interexchange.org/articles/career-training-usa/2015/07/09/tips-and-tricks-for-riding-the-nyc-subway-2/
Regular trains such as the ones that one can find in the subways of New York usually have more of a square shape. This is mainly because the train is underground and does not encounter as much air resistance as trains in the open. The average speed of NY subway trains specifically is 17 mph. Below is an image of an NYC subway train and a gif that shows the average speed of said train.
https://www.interexchange.org/articles/career-training-usa/2015/07/09/tips-and-tricks-for-riding-the-nyc-subway-2/
https://giphy.com/gifs/filmeditor-train-nyc-xT9KVuOrJRZ6jgIPsI
On the other hand, maglev trains are created with a more streamlined design, this is to help with aerodynamics. The design helps decrease the amount of air resistance therefore allowing for a higher average and top speed and while using a relatively low amount of energy. The fastest maglev train that is used commercially can be located in Shanghai, China. It's tops speed is 288 mph. The image depicted below is that of the maglev train in China.
https://wall.alphacoders.com/by_sub_category.php?id=231996
Track Design:
In order to actually levitate the train, you can't just put simple magnets on to p of the track and hope that is all it needs to make the maglev system to work. There is a very meticulous way of assembling the tracks, this is also where the superconducting magnets come in. The underside of the train cars are lined with magnets usually the north pole is pointed outwards, this means that the tracks are lined with magnets with the north pole sticking outwards as well. This provides the levitation which is usually measured between 0.39 to 3.93 inches above the tracks. In order to keep the train on the track and not to aimlessly float off the rail, magnetized coils are run along the track. These "guideways" are then supplied power in order to create a wall that has a unique "system of magnetic fields" that push and pull the train along the track.
Below are images that shows the "guideways" as well as the pattern that the coils produce when power is supplied to the system.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train1.htm
Below are images that shows the "guideways" as well as the pattern that the coils produce when power is supplied to the system.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train1.htm
In order to for the coils in the guideway walls to keep alternating constantly, enough electric current must be supplied. The change in the polarity induced by this process is what makes the train propel forward. On the other hand, the magnetic behind the train makes the train even go faster.
With the levitation that is produced by the superconducting magnets, friction from the track and the train itself is neglected. Combined to the sleek and aerodynamic design of the train metioned above, that maglev trains can reach speeds up to a whopping 310 mph. Although commercial planes can reach up to 562 mph, one should still take into consideration the amount of time it takes for people to get in and out of planes. There is also the matter of taxiing a plane to and from the runway, in addition there is also the weather conditions that can prove to be disastrous.
With the levitation that is produced by the superconducting magnets, friction from the track and the train itself is neglected. Combined to the sleek and aerodynamic design of the train metioned above, that maglev trains can reach speeds up to a whopping 310 mph. Although commercial planes can reach up to 562 mph, one should still take into consideration the amount of time it takes for people to get in and out of planes. There is also the matter of taxiing a plane to and from the runway, in addition there is also the weather conditions that can prove to be disastrous.