Text

Hyperloop RisingRecognizing the Future of Rail Transit

I. BeginningsVisions from Elon

In 2013, Musk expressed desire for hyperloop travel

The idea was born out of a need to improve the (not yet built) California High Speed Rail

While in the physical realm of probability, he asserted he was to busy for the project

At the very least, Musk wanted to design a working prototype and have someone else develop it.

Current DevelopmentsThere is a high speed rail going into production

Costs a whopping $70 billion USD

If it were to be completed, it would rank as one of the slowest bullet trains in the world

How to Improve!

According to his blog, a new mode of transportation should provide huge returns by being…

Safer

Faster

More cost effective

Immune to weather

Sustainable

Not disruptive to those around it

II. The PhysicsHow will this work?

Trains will be a pod shape, and tracks will consist of a series of low-pressure tubes

The bottom of the pods would be fitted with skis

Air cushion would be created via openings in the skis

Initial thrust comes from magnets on the skis

motors on the track provide boost as needed.

Importantly, the atmosphere in the tubes would prevent the train form breaking the sound barrier

The tech that Musk cites already exists

Scientifically possible; he’s not waiting on a major breakthrough

The FutureIn the Realm of Possibility

Just over a year ago, Musk said he had no plans to go through with the project– it was but an idea

But he recently announced that construction of a test track will begin!

Conceptual StatsHe wants to get students involved, and host racing competitions

A fully operational track from SF to LA would cost about $6 billion (a fraction of the High Speed Rail)

The trip would take about 35 minutes at a rate of 760 mph

Can operate both above and below ground

Source info from Businessweek (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-08-12/revealed-elon-musk-explains-the-hyperloop#p1) and Wired (http://techcrunch.com/2013/08/12/elon-musks-hyperloop-explained-a-technically-possible-sci-fi-dream-hes-to-busy-to-work-on-right-now/)

Here’s to the future!