Linear Induction Motor

Linear Induction Motor Theory:

Induction: The process of creating a current in a conductor by imposing a changing magnetic field through the conductor

Real World Applications:

Magnetically-levitated (Maglev) trains use induction to both levitate the train off of the rail and propel it forward. This reduces friction and allows the trains to reach very high speeds.
High-speed maglev train in Japan (image from Wikipedia.org)

How does it work?

(1) A 3-phase voltage is applied to the stator copper windings, creating a traveling magnetic field in the aluminum rotor bar (2) The changing magnetic field induces eddy currents in the aluminum rotor bar.
Traveling magnetic field

The military is developing linear induction rail gun devices that can fire a projectile at speeds approaching 2 miles per second!
Linear force

(3) Because they are in a magnetic field, the currents in the rotor bar experience a force, propelling the rotor bar forward.

Rotor bar eddy currents are induced by the changing magnetic field.

Many roller coasters use linear induction motors for smooth and fast propulsion

flux field wavelength

Rotor (aluminum)
Linear speed

Copper windings
3-phase ac voltage source

Stator (magnetic steel)

ac voltage frequency

C Gliding platform

speed = frequency wavelength

Example: wavelength = 5 in frequency = 60 Hz speed = 17 mph

Power and Energy Systems Area, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Supported by the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Central Illinois Section