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There are three primary types of maglev technology: one that relies on [[superconductivity|superconducting]] [[magnet]]s ([[electrodynamic suspension]] or EDS), one that relies on feedback controlled electromagnets ([[electromagnetic suspension]] or EMS), and a newer potentially more economical system that uses permanent magnets ([[Inductrack]]).
[[Japan]] and [[Germany]] are active in maglev research, producing several different approaches and designs. In one design, the train can be levitated by the repulsive force of like poles or the attractive force of opposite poles of magnets. The train can be propelled by a [[linear motor]] on the track or on the train, or both. Massive electrical [[induction coil]]s are placed along the track in order to produce the [[magnetic field]] necessary to propel the train, leading some to speculate that the cost of constructing such tracks would be enormous. yada yada yada
Unmoving magnetic bearings using purely electromagnets or permanent magnets are unstable because of [[Earnshaw's theorem]]; on the other hand [[diamagnetic]] and superconducting magnets can support a maglev stably. Conventional maglev systems are stabilized with electromagnets that have electronic stabilization. The electromagnets and electronics tend to be large, power-hungry and expensive.
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