| Hi magz,
> As for the noise issue, germans should be blamed for choosing the shape of the maglev train. For a so high speed train, the > head of the maglev train should be duckbill-like rather than the shape it is now. I think they invested in many wind-tunnel test as the energy consumption (air friction) and hence also the noise was optimized over the subsequent generations (at least they claim in their documets). The best shape for a given cross-section (usable width and height in the rear part of the body) is a drop-like shape with the FLAT end towards the wind and the sharp edge at the rear. As the vehicle needed to be symmetric (rides back without turning around) and will also ride on a flat surface, the given shape was probable the best they could get. Very sharp, needle like edges (front of fighter jet planes) are probably only relevant when approaching or even exceeding the speed of sound. (Also commercial airplanes at 900 km/h still have pretty "flat" front parts!) Joachim |
Inside Pudong Airport Maglev Train