Question about LIMs and LSMs

What is the major difference (if it is one) about LSMs and LIMs. Superman: The Escape has LSMs. Volcano has LIMs. LIM stands for Linear Induction Motor. What does LSM stand for?

Linear Synchronous Motor

Somebody explained it to me once (very very simply) that LIMs are magnet to metal and LSMs are magnet to magnet.

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- John

A synchronous motor uses permanent magnets (mounted on the train in this case) The field coils (electromagnets) on the track then in effect push and pull on the permanent magnet.

A linear induction motor doesn't have any permanent magnet. Instead there is a reaction fin (rotor on a roatating motor) mounted on the train. The magnetic fields from the electromagnets cause "induced" electric currents to circulate in the fins turning the fins into electromagents. The two sets of magnetic fields then interact to produce motion.

The induction motor is more difficult to understand, but most of the motors in you home are induction motors. IE Washer, dryer, fans, airconditioner. Synchronous permanenet magnet AC motors are relatively rare. You'll find lots of permanent magnet motors in your car, but they are a different animal since they run on DC power.

Also LSMs use a lot less power than LIMs.

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Mike
Favorite Wood: Viper at SFGAM,Shivering Timbers
Favorite Steel: Magnum and Raging Bull

To add to what Jim said regarding LSM, Vekoma uses the following method with LSM: instead of mounting the permanent magnets on the train itself, instead, they are mounted on a pusher cart. The pusher cart in turn push (or if you prefer, launch) the train. If you ride Rock n Roller Coaster at WDW, if you are lucky, when in the launch waiting zone, in the front row, you sometimes see the cart coming back.