Electromagnetic propulsion

Electromagnetic propulsion uses the concepts and applications of electromagnets. Technologies that make use of such applications include magnetic levitation technologies, including maglev trains, railguns, and even electromagnetic motors to some degree (though more use is made of the motor principle derived from electromagnets).

The concept of electromagnetic propulsion is no simpler than in a simple coilgun: a (preferably soft) iron core is inserted into a coil. When a diamagnetic metallic torus is placed around the core, because it cannot be magnetized, its atoms become agitated, current is produced in it (thereby producing a magnetic field), and the electromagnet produces an opposing field (in accordance with Lenz's law and the law of the conservation of energy). Because of this opposition, the ring is fired off of the electromagnet, propelling it away. Note that if such a torus is prevented from escaping the magnetic field, it will become very hot due to the induced current — This is how induction cookers work.

How Electromagnetic Propulsion Will Work

How Maglev Trains Work

Propulsion magnétique Napęd elektromagnetyczny