Metallurgists Tata Steel in Europe and POSCO in South Korea will collaborate to develop and test innovative steels and metal structures that will be used to create a hyperloop - a pipe large enough to carry a passenger or cargo compartment capable of traveling at speeds in excess of 1000 km /h with minimum energy consumption.
This is stated in a joint statement of the companies, published on Monday.
Our latest collaboration with POSCO will help to develop the steels and designs needed to make the tubes for all hyperloop projects a reality https://t.co/iK88Ji47zf # Hyperloop #steelmatters https://t.co/aPB9SnzwH8
- Tata Steel in Europe (@TataSteelEurope) November 9, 2020
Steel is an essential material for creating the infrastructure needed to create a hyperloop, including the pipes it will travel through.
Giant steel pipes have many unique features compared to conventional pipes. For example, they must allow an inside passenger or cargo vehicle to move in a low pressure environment - where air is removed to reduce drag and minimize energy consumption - and also remain straight over long distances.
Tata Steel and POSCO will develop high-quality steel grades specifically designed for use in these large diameter pipes up to 3.5 m. In addition, the companies will join forces to research innovative pipe concepts and designs.
Speaking after the signing of the collaboration documents in a virtual ceremony, Ernst Hugenes, CTO of Tata Steel, said: “Globally, hyperloop has great potential for the future of high speed sustainable transport and these are very exciting projects. This is an important part of our commitment to decarbonization. ”
Dr. Lee Duk-Lak, Head of POSCO Technical Research Laboratories, said, “POSCO has been conducting research related to hyperloop for over 10 years, such as feasibility studies, design and structural optimization of various types of steel pipes. The company has developed optimal steel materials and design solutions in terms of structural stability and economic efficiency. This will contribute to the realization of hyperloop as a future environmentally friendly method of transportation. ”
As we already reported , Richard Branson's Virgin Hyperloop was tested this weekend in the US. For the first time, real passengers took part in the tests. The vacuum train hit 100 mph, one-fifth of its design speed.
