Linear electric motor

Linear electric motor, automatic device used to move vehicles without wheels. The motor consists of a row of electromagnets that are turned off and on in succession, producing a wave of magnetism that propels the vehicle. In the linear induction motor the electromagnets are located in the vehicle and face a strip of nonmagnetic metal called a reaction rail. The magnetism induces an electric current in the reaction rail, which in turn produces a second magnetic field that pushes against the first, thereby moving the vehicle. In the linear synchronous motor an electromagnet is mounted beneath the vehicle's track. It reacts with magnets on the vehicle itself to propel the vehicle.