Vacuum magnetic levitation transport: definition of optimal characteristics

Abstract

Known to a wide circle of specialists of the transport, the concept of "Evacuated Тube Тransport Technology" (ET3) [1] is an energy efficient complex magnetic levitation, vacuum and superconducting technology for high-speed ground transportation. The concept is presented as the most effective solution to problem increase the speed and capacity of the transport system c is acceptable the cost of moving passengers and cargo, and low cost of energy. To determine the optimal ranges of working parameters of the considered transportation system the analysis of the characteristics of the rarefied environment. Based on considerations of balance of power the cost of maintaining the vacuum in the system and to overcome aerodynamic drag throughout the speed range of the vehicle (TC) (500÷6500 km/h) it is shown that the lower bound of the optimal depth of vacuum to the vacuum environment, for the vehicle to relatively low speeds, is 25÷80 PA. For vehicles with speeds close to the maximum I would like to have the pressure of 1 PA or less.