Electromagnetic propulsion

Electromagnetic propulsion (EMP) is the principle of accelerating an object by the utilization of a flowing electrical current and magnetic fields.

The thought of using magnets for propulsion continues to this day and has been dreamed of since at least 1897 when John Munro published his fictional story "A Trip to Venus".

Other applications that remain not widely used or still in development include ion thruster for low orbiting satellites and magnetohydrodynamic drive for ships and submarines.

[2][3] A few years later Emile Bachelet proposed the idea of a metal carriage levitated in air above the rails in a modern railway, which he showcased in the early 1890s.

[2][3] In the 1960s Eric Roberts Laithwaite developed the linear induction motor, which built upon these principles and introduced the first practical application of electromagnetic propulsion.

[4] In 1966 James R. Powell and Gordon Danby patented the superconducting maglev transportation system, and after this engineers around the world raced to create the first high-speed rail.

[6][conflicted source] Electromagnetic propulsion is utilized in transportation systems to minimize friction and maximize speed over long distances.

This has mainly been implemented in high-speed rail systems that use a linear induction motor to power trains by magnetic currents.

[7] An alternating electric current is supplied to the coils, which creates a change in polarity of the magnetic field.

[11] Maglev trains are promoted for their energy efficiency since they run on electricity, which can be produced by coal, nuclear, hydro, fusion, wind or solar power without requiring oil.

[9] The magnetic fields in the primary coil assembly and reaction plate alternate, which generates force and direct linear motion.

EMP and its applications for seagoing ships and submarines have been investigated since at least 1958 when Warren Rice filed a patent describing the technology.