Submission + - China solves "tunnel boom" problem with MagLev trains (theguardian.com) 1
Epeeist writes: The newest version of the maglev train is capable of travelling at 600km/h (about 370mph). However, the train’s engineers have wrestled with the problem of the shock waves which occur as the train exits the mouth of a tunnel. These are colloquially known as a “tunnel boom”
Researchers have discovered that placing innovative soundproofing buffers at tunnel mouths can reduce "tunnel boom" shock waves by up to 96%.
This opens the possibility of a future line connecting the capital, Beijing, with Shanghai, reducing journey times from 4.5 hours to 2.5 hours, about the duration of a domestic flight between the two cities.
In China, the cost of a high-speed rail ticket is cheaper than air travel (¥600 compared with ¥1,200), unlike in many other countries. Flights emit on average seven times more CO2 than high-speed rail by distance travelled, representing a big potential carbon saving.
Researchers have discovered that placing innovative soundproofing buffers at tunnel mouths can reduce "tunnel boom" shock waves by up to 96%.
This opens the possibility of a future line connecting the capital, Beijing, with Shanghai, reducing journey times from 4.5 hours to 2.5 hours, about the duration of a domestic flight between the two cities.
In China, the cost of a high-speed rail ticket is cheaper than air travel (¥600 compared with ¥1,200), unlike in many other countries. Flights emit on average seven times more CO2 than high-speed rail by distance travelled, representing a big potential carbon saving.
Potentially huge (Score:2)
This would be huge if they really have fixed it. The Japanese have been working on it for decades, for their conventional high speed trains. Their speed is currently limited due to noise issues, and the maglevs are twice as fast.
I remember they tried adding a concrete structure to the tunnel exit that was supposed to be a bit like a silencer on a gun, but it wasn't as effective as the Chinese are claiming.
Could be game changing, not just for trains but for long distance travel in general. Maglevs will start