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Sustainability Times
4 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Elon Musk Left in the Dust': China Crushes U.S. Dreams by Fixing the Fatal Flaw That Killed the Hyperloop Once and for All
IN A NUTSHELL 🚄 Chinese scientists have developed a solution to reduce turbulence in ultra-high-speed maglev trains, addressing track imperfections. in ultra-high-speed maglev trains, addressing track imperfections. 💡 The innovative system combines AI-powered suspension with electromagnetic actuators for a smoother ride. suspension with electromagnetic actuators for a smoother ride. 🌌 China's vision extends beyond transportation, aiming to leverage maglev technology for future space launches . . 🌍 The advancements could revolutionize global transportation, raising questions about international collaboration and scalability. In recent years, the race to achieve ultra-high-speed transportation has captured the imagination of scientists and engineers worldwide. Among the most ambitious projects is the development of the vacuum-tube maglev train, a concept that promises to revolutionize travel by reaching unparalleled speeds. China's latest advancements in this field have shown promising results, addressing some of the critical challenges that have hindered such projects in the past. This article delves into the groundbreaking work led by Chinese scientists to overcome these obstacles and the potential implications for the future of transportation. Addressing the Turbulence Challenge One of the primary challenges in developing high-speed maglev trains is managing turbulence and vibrations caused by track imperfections. Chinese scientists have recognized that even minor flaws in the track, such as uneven coils or bridge deformations, can lead to severe turbulence inside maglev pods. These vibrations could transform what should be a smooth ride into a jarring experience, particularly in the near-vacuum conditions required for high-speed travel. To tackle this issue, the research team has devised a solution that significantly reduces turbulence intensity. By employing advanced simulation techniques and conducting physical tests with scaled-down models, they discovered that turbulence could be cut nearly in half. This achievement is noteworthy, as it transforms 'extremely severe bumps' into experiences that are 'pronounced, but not unpleasant.' At the heart of this breakthrough is the meticulous study of track irregularities and the vertical bending of bridges. The team, led by Zhao Ming from the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, has made substantial progress in mitigating the resonance that occurs at speeds around 249 mph (400 km/h) and 373 mph (600 km/h). These efforts underscore the importance of addressing infrastructure imperfections to ensure passenger comfort and safety. 'China Finally Sells Record-Breaking Plane': This 130-Foot Giant Can Dump 26,000 Pounds of Water in One Jaw-Dropping Drop Innovative AI-Powered Suspension Systems The integration of artificial intelligence into maglev technology has opened new avenues for improving ride quality. The Chinese team has developed a hybrid suspension system that combines traditional passive air springs with cutting-edge electromagnetic actuators. These actuators are guided by AI, which employs two sophisticated strategies to minimize turbulence. The first strategy, known as 'sky-hook' damping, simulates an invisible stabilizer attached to the sky. This method uses real-time speed data to counteract low-frequency jolts, enhancing passenger comfort. The second strategy involves PID control, a well-established engineering principle that adjusts forces using proportional, integral, and derivative tuning methods. The team optimized this system using NSGA-II, a genetic algorithm that enables the AI to adapt to varying track conditions. Testing with a 1:10 scale model and six-axis motion simulators has yielded impressive results. Vertical vibration intensity was reduced by 45.6 percent, and Sperling Index scores remained comfortably below 2.5, even at high speeds. This achievement demonstrates that the ride is 'more pronounced but not unpleasant,' marking a significant leap forward in maglev technology. 'Old Rockets, New Threat': China Converts Aged Artillery Into Deadly Gliders Designed to Strike Fast-Moving Aerial Targets Beyond Transportation: China's Ambitious Vision China's commitment to advancing maglev technology extends beyond achieving faster travel. The nation views this innovation as a stepping stone to broader technological achievements, including cost-effective space launches. The Datong research facility embodies this vision, with engineers already making strides in developing airtight concrete tunnels and millimeter-precise track joints. While Elon Musk's Hyperloop project faced setbacks and ended its test track program in 2023, China remains undeterred. The Chinese team is optimistic that their hybrid suspension system, once tested at full scale, could revolutionize public transportation and reshape perceptions of high-speed travel. Despite the promising advancements, challenges persist. Scaling the suspension system for real-world use and ensuring its reliability during emergencies are crucial steps that lie ahead. Nevertheless, the progress made thus far demonstrates China's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in transportation technology. China Unleashes Next-Gen EREVs With Jaw-Dropping 870-Mile Range and Hesai LiDAR That Could Redefine Autonomous Driving Forever Charting the Future of High-Speed Travel As the world watches China's pioneering efforts in maglev technology, the implications for global transportation are profound. The potential to travel at speeds previously deemed unimaginable could redefine the way we connect cities and countries. However, achieving such a vision requires overcoming technical hurdles and ensuring passenger safety. The advancements in AI-controlled suspension systems and infrastructure optimization herald a new era in transportation innovation. Yet, questions remain about the scalability and viability of these technologies on a global scale. How will other nations respond to China's progress, and what role will international collaboration play in advancing high-speed travel technology? As we stand on the brink of a transportation revolution, one question lingers: can the world come together to realize the dream of safe, efficient, and ultra-fast travel that transcends boundaries and redefines the future of mobility? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (24)
The Star
29-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Elon Musk's Hyperloop has a key flaw. Chinese scientists may have found ‘cure'
Chinese scientists claimed to have solved a critical flaw in the futuristic vision of ultra-high speed ground travel, potentially salvaging vacuum-tube maglev technology and casting new light on the challenges faced by Elon Musk's Hyperloop concept. A study published by China's peer-reviewed Journal of Railway Science and Engineering on May 16 showed that even minor imperfections – such as uneven coils or bridge deformations – would turn a journey into an ordeal, even in near-airless tunnels. But the engineers – who are working at the world's first full-scale test line in central China – also said they found a way to slash turbulence intensity by nearly a half, reducing 'extremely severe bumps' to levels that were 'pronounced, but not unpleasant'. The researchers, led by Zhao Ming from the maglev and electromagnetic propulsion division of state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), said they used supercomputer simulations and scaled-down prototype tests for the study. The team found that track irregularities and electromagnetic resonance were enough to trigger violent low-frequency vibrations in maglev cars travelling at the technology's cruising speed of 1,000km/h (612mph). Using the 1940s-era Sperling Index, an international metric for ride comfort, the study showed that oscillations amplified at specific speeds, with a peak at 400km/h (249mph) reaching a level of vibration deemed 'extremely unpleasant'. At the next peak, which occurred when the cars were travelling at 600km/h (373mph), the researchers recorded a Sperling Index of 4.2 – a level at which prolonged exposure to the vibrations would be harmful. According to the paper, once the test cars reached cruising speeds of 1,000km/h, the vibrations lessened to 3.1 on the Sperling Index – defined as 'barely tolerable'. A system that propels magnetically levitated pods through low-pressure tubes at near-supersonic speeds was first proposed by Musk in 2013, in a white paper that captivated engineers around the world. Attempts to develop the Hyperloop concept at a SpaceX test track ended in 2023, after a number of technical hurdles, including the challenge of maintaining vacuum integrity and stabilising pods at extreme velocities. In contrast, China is charging ahead, with the stakes transcending the engineering challenges. Beijing has made ultra-high-speed magnetic levitation tech a national research priority that could not only redefine global transit, but also transform other critical sectors, including the race to achieve low-cost space launches. The test facility in Datong, Shanxi province, represents Beijing's bet that China will dominate the next generation of public transport. To that end, its engineers have achieved airtight concrete, millimetre-precision joints and other hard-won feats. According to the research team, without physical contact between train and track, the system's electromagnetic forces interact with the cabin in unpredictable ways. The result is resonance that would rattle passengers 'with extreme levels of instability'. 'Our research accounted for track irregularities, vertical bending of bridges, and single-frequency excitations induced by lateral irregularities in ground coils,' wrote Zhao and his colleagues. 'Under track excitation at an equivalent speed of 1,000km/h, the car body exhibited peak vibration amplitudes at frequencies of 2.6 Hz, 5.2 Hz, 7.8 Hz, and 10.4 Hz,' they added. To overcome the problem, the Chinese team developed a hybrid suspension system combining passive air springs with electromagnetic actuators that are controlled by artificial intelligence. The electricity-powered actuators adopt two cutting-edge control strategies, the paper said. One is a so-called sky-hook that mimics an imaginary damper linking the cabin to a stationary 'sky', using real-time velocity feedback to neutralise low-frequency jolts. The other strategy, PID control, adjusts suspension forces via proportional, integral, and derivative algorithms, optimised by an NSGA-II genetic AI method to handle variable track conditions. When tested on a 1:10 scale model with six-axis motion simulators, the system reduced vertical vibration intensity, measured as a root mean square acceleration, by 45.6 per cent under realistic track profiles. Sperling Index scores stayed below 2.5 – 'more pronounced but not unpleasant' – across all speeds, according to the study. The researchers said there were still some challenges ahead, such as scaling up the suspension tech for full-sized trains and ensuring that they would work in emergency braking and other extreme conditions.
India.com
03-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
1300 km in just 90 minutes: New hyperloop matches speed of Boeing, developed by..., its name is...
1300 km in just 90 minutes: New hyperloop matches speed of Boeing, developed by..., its name is... China and Japan are known for their super high-speed trains that reduce the travel time from hours to minutes. Now, China has taken a major leap forward in high-speed transportation by developing a hyperloop train. The ambitious project aims to achieve the speed of commercial aircraft. However, the project has its own complications such as long-term feasibility and economic implications. The most recent test of the hyperloop train was conducted in Shanxi Province. An Unprecedented Technological Feat China has achieved a milestone by conducting full-scale tests of its Hyperloop maglev. The test was conducted in two-kilometre-long tunnel. The test was used to evaluate the integration of several train systems. Hence, the actual speed achieved during these tests has not been disclosed. The authorities put several new technologies to the test, including magnetic levitation navigation control, which allows the train to 'fly' frictionlessly over the tracks. These tests also demonstrate the Dragon's ability to integrate complex technologies into an advanced transportation system. The use of magnetic levitation was the highlight of tests as it eliminates friction, enabling exceptional speeds. The hyperloop trains will transform the transportation landscape in China and beyond. This also paves the way for a new era of rapid transportation. The Ambitious Goals of the Project Chinese engineers are very excited about their Hyperloop system. They believe that this next-generation technology will allow trains to literally fly on the ground at speeds comparable to commercial aeroplanes. The Shanxi provincial government and the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), are the two major players in the country's technological development, joined hands for the hyperloop project. The test line for the project is located in Datong province and was constructed in record time from April 2022 to November 2023. As per developers, the test set a new speed record; however, the exact achieved speed is not disclosed. A Promising Yet Uncertain Future If successful, China will connect its megacities with the hyperloop trains, drastically reducing the travel time. For instance, the journey between Beijing and Shanghai (about 1300 km by train), which currently takes a minimum of 6 hours via super-fast train, could be reduced to just 90 minutes. However, the project is also surrounded by several complexities and challenges as the engineers are raising questions on the system's feasibility on a large scale and the economic implications. The construction and maintenance cost of such project could be a challenge for the Chinese government. Also, the environmental impact of such advanced technology remains to be assessed.
Business Insider
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Chad receives Chinese-made air defense systems as UAE expands African role
The UAE is strengthening its influence in Africa through the delivery of Chinese-manufactured air defense systems to Chad UAE strengthens influence in Africa by delivering Chinese-made air defense systems to Chad FK-2000 air defense systems purchased from China by UAE and transferred to Chad Suspicion surrounding UAE's involvement in fueling instability through hidden arms transfers The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has significantly expanded its influence in Africa with the recent transfer of Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense systems to Chad's junta-led government. The supply comes just days after UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with His Excellency Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic of Chad, during his official visit to the UAE. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance Chad's defense capabilities in the face of growing security challenges. According to local sources, the UAE purchased the FK-2000 systems from China and subsequently transferred them to Chad to strengthen the country's air defense infrastructure. The FK-2000, developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to target a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The UAE has been a strong supporter of Chad in recent years, supplying a range of military hardware to bolster the nation's security apparatus. This support follows a military cooperation agreement signed in June 2023 during the official visit of the Chadian leader, Mahamat Idriss Déby, to Abu Dhabi. Following the agreement, the UAE sent a shipment of military vehicles and security equipment to Chad to enhance its capabilities in combating terrorism and improving border protection. This system is expected to provide Chad with enhanced protection against potential aerial threats, bolstering its defense capabilities. UAE's suspicious weapons supply in Africa Over the years, the UAE has increasingly provided military aid and weapons to various African governments, many of which are embroiled in internal crises or are led by authoritarian regimes and military juntas. This has raised concerns about the UAE's role in perpetuating power structures that undermine democratic governance and contribute to long-standing conflicts across the continent. The UAE has faced accusations of exacerbating conflict in Sudan by arming the rebel group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been engaged in a prolonged war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). According to Military Africa, despite facing pressure from the U.S., which led to a temporary halt in military supplies to the RSF, there have been ongoing claims that the UAE continued to supply arms through networks in neighboring countries such as Chad, Libya, and others. These shipments have often been disguised as humanitarian aid, complicating the situation further. One of the key concerns is the lack of oversight and accountability in the flow of weapons into conflict zones. Given the UAE's history of using Chad as a transit point for arms shipments to Sudan, there are ongoing fears about the ultimate destination of these weapons.
South China Morning Post
25-03-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China in bid to challenge giant SpaceX by deploying maglev rocket launch pad by 2028
In a bid to disrupt the United States' long-held dominance in space exploration, China is quietly advancing a radical new rocket launch system – powered not by roaring engines but by electromagnetic force – that could propel satellites into orbit with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Advertisement At the heart of the ambitious project is Galactic Energy , a private aerospace company that plans to debut the world's first electromagnetic rocket launch pad by 2028, a project that could redraw the competitive lines of the global space industry. Developed in partnership with state-backed research institutes in Sichuan province in southwestern China, the system uses superconducting magnets to silently accelerate rockets to supersonic speeds before ignition, a process often compared to launching a maglev train vertically. 11:05 Space race elevates Asia in new world order Space race elevates Asia in new world order The Ziyang government in Sichuan and the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) is testing China's first electromagnetic launch verification platform with the ambitious goal of launching in three years, according to a report by Sichuan Radio and Television last week. The platform would accelerate rockets to speeds above Mach 1 as rockets burn most fuel at the beginning of a flight, and offers a future in which launches could become as routine as high-speed rail departures. The technology could double payload capacity and lower the launch cost, said Li Ping, president of the Ziyang Commercial Space Launch Technology Research Institute. Li said the launch track would not require the maintenance needed for traditional launch pads, enabling more frequent launches. Advertisement If successful, it could offer China the critical edge it seeks to challenge American giants such as SpaceX.
