Floating wheels: A magnetic levitation experiment

Introduction

Floating wheels is basically an experimental interpretation of how magnetic levitation works. This DIY project will be useful for the students to know how a magnet can levitate a material. In this magnetic levitation experiment we are developing a wheel to rest in air above a set of magnets. The work of friction will be negligible. Almost 100% can be achieved in this DIY project.

Before we start the DIY project, let us have small refreshment about magnetic levitation. Magnetic levitation is the method used to suspend objects with the help of magnets. The magnets form a strong magnetic field which will counter the effect of gravitational force. A lifting force will be there to provide the sufficient force to keep the object suspended. Stability should be ensured so as to avid the sudden slip or flip of the system. There are 8 methods to levitate an object and they are

1. Mechanical Constraint
2. Servomechanisms
3. Induced Currents
4. Diamagnetically stabilized Levitation
5. Superconductors
6. Rotational Stabilization
7. Strong Focusing
8. Diamagnetic levitation

In all these methods the concept is like poles repel and alike poles attract. To know more you can click this link magnetic levitation. In this DIY project, 4 magnets are placed in the rod 2 on each side. 2 magnets are on the stick which will be resting on the rod. The principle of magnetism is used to induce the magnetic field. The magnets will be places in same direction. The circular magnet is placed on the stick which will be floating in the air. The magnetic field will lift the wheel. Now let’s start doing the project.    

Materials Required

• Ceramic Ring magnet with 3/8" hole (1)  
• Philips screw driver  (1)   
• 3/4" long eye screws (2)
• Ceramic Rectangular Magnet with hole (4)     
• To hold this magnet : 3/8"D x 4" pine or bass wood dowel 
• For holding the structure: 7" x 1/2" x 1/2" Basswood (1)
• Flathead 3/4" Phillips screws (4)
• To hold these magnets:  3 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" Basswood (2)
• Wood Glue/ White Glue  (1)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
• 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" Basswood  (1)   
• 6" string / thread (1)

Working

1. Indicate north and south sides of the magnets. Same side repel and opposite side attract based on this mark the sides.
2. Take 3.5” basswood and to this screw the magnets. In one basswood two magnets are placed and that too at a certain angle to establish the magnetic field. The magnets are placed in the same direction.
3. Take 7” basswood and to this stick the two 3.5” basswood horizontally.
4. Take wood dongle and to this place the circular magnet and in such way that they repel the rectangular magnet when placed.
5. Take 1.5” basswood and glue it to 7” basswood vertically .
6. Fix the eye screw on top of this 1.5” wood.
7. Another eye screw is placed on the dongle in such a way that they repel the rectangular magnet when placed below it.
8. A thin less visible thread is used to string the two eye screws.

Your floating wheels are ready.

A detailed explanation about the work can be found in miniscience site. Hope this DIY project was useful for you guys. Please try this to explore the world of magnetism and its application.