Hyperloop

Concept art of hyperloop inner workings

Hyperloop is a proposed high-speed transportation system for both passengers and freight.[1] The concept was published by Elon Musk in a 2013 white paper, where the hyperloop was described as a transportation system using capsules supported by an air-bearing surface within a low-pressure tube.[2][3] Hyperloop systems have three essential elements: tubes, pods, and terminals. The tube is a large, sealed low-pressure system (typically a long tunnel). The pod is a coach at atmospheric pressure that experiences low air resistance or friction inside the tube[4][5] using magnetic propulsion (in the initial design, augmented by a ducted fan). The terminal handles pod arrivals and departures. The hyperloop, in the form proposed by Musk, differs from traditional vactrains by relying on residual air pressure inside the tube to provide lift from aerofoils and propulsion by fans;[2] however, many subsequent variants using the name "hyperloop" have remained relatively close to the core principles of vactrains.

Hyperloop was teased by Elon Musk at a 2012 speaking event, and described as a "fifth mode of transport".[6] Musk released details of an alpha-version in a white paper on 22 August 2013, in which the hyperloop design incorporated reduced-pressure tubes with pressurized capsules riding on air bearings driven by linear induction motors and axial compressors.[7] The white paper showed an example hyperloop route running from the Los Angeles region to the San Francisco Bay Area, roughly following the Interstate 5 corridor.[2] Some transportation analysts challenged the cost estimates in the white paper, with some predicting that a hyperloop would run several billion dollars higher.[8][9][10]

The hyperloop concept has been promoted by Musk and SpaceX, and other companies or organizations were encouraged to collaborate in developing the technology.[11] A Technical University of Munich hyperloop set a speed record of 463 km/h (288 mph) in July 2019[12][13] at the pod design competition hosted by SpaceX in Hawthorne, California.[14] Virgin Hyperloop conducted the first human trial in November 2020 at its test site in Las Vegas, reaching a top speed of 172 km/h (107 mph).[15] Swisspod Technologies unveiled a 1:12 scale testing facility in a circular shape to simulate an "infinite" hyperloop trajectory in July 2021 on the EPFL campus at Lausanne, Switzerland.[16] In 2023, a new European effort to standardize "hyperloop systems" released a draft standard.[17]

Hyperloop One, one of the best well-known and well-funded players in the hyperloop space, declared bankruptcy and ceased operations on 31 December 2023. Other companies continue to pursue hyperloop technology development.[18]

  1. ^ Simon, Joanna. "A Primer on Hyperloop Travel: How far off is the Future?". Rudin Center for Transportation Policy & Management, New York University. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Alpha SpaceX was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Premsagar, Smriti; Kenworthy, Jeffrey (2022). "A Critical Review of Hyperloop (Ultra-High Speed Rail) Technology: Urban and Transport Planning, Technical, Environmental, Economic, and Human Considerations". Frontiers in Sustainable Cities. 4. doi:10.3389/frsc.2022.842245.
  4. ^ Opgenoord, Max M. J. "How does the aerodynamic design implement in hyperloop concept?". Mechanical Engineering. MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Archived from the original on 3 October 2019. Retrieved 16 September 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  5. ^ Lang, Alex J.; Connolly, David P.; de Boer, Gregory; Shahpar, Shahrokh; Hinchliffe, Benjamin; Gilkeson, Carl A. (2024). "A review of Hyperloop aerodynamics". Computers & Fluids. 273: 106202. doi:10.1016/j.compfluid.2024.106202.
  6. ^ "Pando Monthly presents a fireside chat with Elon Musk". pando.com. PandoDaily. 13 July 2012. Archived from the original on 16 July 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference gm20130822 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference NYT-Bilton was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference AJE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference HuffPoAstronomical was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Hawkins, Andrew J. (18 June 2016). "Here are the Hyperloop pods competing in Elon Musk's big race later this year". The Verge. Archived from the original on 11 July 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2016.
  12. ^ Cite error: The named reference brde20210521 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference verge20190722 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  14. ^ Etherington, Darrell (2 September 2016). "Here's a first look at the SpaceX Hyperloop test track". TechCrunch. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  15. ^ "First passengers travel in Virgin's levitating hyperloop pod system". The Guardian. 9 November 2020. Archived from the original on 10 November 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference epfl.ch was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ Cite error: The named reference cencenelec202301 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  18. ^ Cite error: The named reference hyperloopOneShutdown20231221 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).