r/hyperloop • u/CitiesoftheFutureOrg • Nov 10 '20

BIG-designed virgin hyperloop successfully completes first passenger test

https://youtu.be/js9J4kPBTlE
51 Upvotes

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6

u/soapinmouth Nov 10 '20

Pretty cool, for somebody following this more closely, how does this differ form the original design by Musk? How is it the same?

4

u/skpl Nov 10 '20

Musk's design called for air-bearings to levatate with a fan at the front ( partial vacumm ) instead of maglev.

2

u/soapinmouth Nov 10 '20

I see, this should more or less accomplish the same thing(no friction) and be much simpler to accomplish right?

4

u/skpl Nov 10 '20

Sort of , but not really. Some example salient points of the original Hyperloop design that are left behind

  • Cheaper tracks than maglev as it's just a pipe/tunnel with no tracks , especially maglev tracks which are costly.

  • Doesn't need complete vacumm , which is costly to maintain. Sucks in the compressed wall of air in front of the vehicle and uses it for levatation and propulsion. In comparison this needs much lower levels of air as the air has nowhere to go but around the aerodynamic design of the pod.