MagLev (trial 2012)(ohgod 2013)

Magnetic Levitation is a building event with an academic portion. Competitors must construct a magnetic floating car that can pull up to 400g of weight on a magnetic track. In addition, graphs plotting speed of the vehicle vs weight must be turned in. A written test will be given on the history of magnetic levitation.

Event Details
The track and the weight will be provided by the event supervisor. One side of the track is north and the other is south and the car must be able to run both directions. Therefore the magnetic part must be adjustable. The mass of the car must be at least 200g. Each circuit on the car most not exceed 9 V (batteries may be used in parallel). The length must be at least 10 cm, but no more than 18 cm. A screw eye (1/8" or larger) must be attached to the back of the car to pull the weight.The track is 2 9/16” wide (6 1/2 cm) and the car must fit in the track. A pencil may be used to keep the car from moving until needed on the track after the car is turned on.

The test focuses on mainly maglev history rather than physics knowledge. Although physics knowledge is useful, mainly for the calculations, is it only useful for about 40% of the test. The rest deals with important people, places, and the development of maglev trains and cars.

Allowable Resources
All resources must be impounded at the beginning of the event. Anything that passes impounding may be used. A graphing calculator may be impounded, but is not much better than a standard scientific calculator. A binder with notes (and the graph) can be impounded for use during the test. There is no limit to the amount of notes taken.

Eye protection is needed for the event

Helpful Hints
Make the car more narrow than the track! Many cars failed to run at nationals 2012 because there was too much friction between the car and the sides of the track. Also, lighter is better. Although it may seem better to include multiple fans and batteries, the weight builds up fast. Keep in mind that the car must not only pull the weight given, but its own weight.

Good materials to use are cardboard, styrofoam, any other light materials.

IMPOUND EVERYTHING even things that you don't think you'll need, such as a repair kit.

More Links
http://www.newyorkscioly.org/SOPages/COTResources.html