Build Simple Electric Motor | 1500+ RPM | Copper Wires, 1.5V Battery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around constructing a simple electric motor using limited materials, specifically aiming to achieve a rotational speed of 1500 RPM or more. Participants explore various design considerations, material limitations, and techniques to optimize performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that minimizing the motor's size and ensuring symmetry in the rotating part could enhance speed.
  • There are recommendations to use stronger magnets and larger batteries to improve current supply, with a note that larger batteries still provide only 1.5 volts.
  • Some participants express skepticism about achieving 1500 RPM, citing potential imbalance and vibration issues with a hand-fabricated motor.
  • One participant mentions that stronger magnets may actually reduce no-load speed due to increased back electromotive force (emf), suggesting experimentation with different magnets.
  • Concerns are raised about the structural integrity of the motor given the limited materials, particularly regarding the use of paper clips and thumbtacks for support.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of using thicker wire or multiple strands to improve conductivity.
  • A participant shares a video demonstrating a trial run of their motor, achieving approximately 1300 RPM, and notes the importance of balance in the design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of optimism and skepticism regarding the feasibility of reaching 1500 RPM, with no consensus on the best approach to achieve this goal. Multiple competing views on the impact of materials and design choices remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in materials and the potential for imbalances in the motor's construction, which could affect performance. There are unresolved questions regarding the optimal configuration and the effects of different magnet strengths on motor efficiency.

sharm8
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Homework Statement


Hello ! I'm making a simple electric motor. Using copper wires and 1.5V battery.
2 magnets, 2 thumbtacks, 1 block of wood, 2 paper clips, and approximately 2m of insulated copper wire.
-The diameter of the loop must be 1"
CAN'T use other materials, only the above listed.

Homework Equations


I just want to ask what do I need to do to have 1500 RPM or more.. Thanks!

The Attempt at a Solution


-Maybe the setup/orientation will be a factor.
-See the uploaded file.
 

Attachments

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sharm8 said:

Homework Statement


Hello ! I'm making a simple electric motor. Using copper wires and 1.5V battery.
2 magnets, 2 thumbtacks, 1 block of wood, 2 paper clips, and approximately 2m of insulated copper wire.
-The diameter of the loop must be 1"
CAN'T use other materials, only the above listed.

Homework Equations


I just want to ask what do I need to do to have 1500 RPM or more.. Thanks!

The Attempt at a Solution


-Maybe the setup/orientation will be a factor.
-See the uploaded file.
Hi sharm8, thank you for the diagram
 
For maximum speed I think you should aim to minaturize it, and make the rotating part as symmetrical and evenly balanced as you can. Use strong magnets, and a large sized battery. The big cells (D cells or bigger) are still only 1.5 volts but they can supply more current. If your copper wire is thin, perhaps run two strands together as one so it acts as though it is thicker copper.

You'll have no idea how fast it will spin, you just have to construct it using good techniques, then run it and see how it turns out.

Post a photo when you have it working.

Good luck!
 
sharm8 said:

Homework Statement


Hello ! I'm making a simple electric motor. Using copper wires and 1.5V battery.
2 magnets, 2 thumbtacks, 1 block of wood, 2 paper clips, and approximately 2m of insulated copper wire.
-The diameter of the loop must be 1"
CAN'T use other materials, only the above listed.

Homework Equations


I just want to ask what do I need to do to have 1500 RPM or more.. Thanks!

The Attempt at a Solution


-Maybe the setup/orientation will be a factor.
-See the uploaded file.

A speed of 1500 RPM is pretty ambitious. You should set your sights on getting the motor to turn.
At a speed of 1500 RPM, a motor fabricated by hand is going to have a lot of imbalance in the rotor. Even if you were to achieve this speed, the motor would probably destroy itself due to vibration in short order.
 
NascentOxygen said:
For maximum speed I think you should aim to minaturize it, and make the rotating part as symmetrical and evenly balanced as you can. Use strong magnets, and a large sized battery. The big cells (D cells or bigger) are still only 1.5 volts but they can supply more current. If your copper wire is thin, perhaps run two strands together as one so it acts as though it is thicker copper.

You'll have no idea how fast it will spin, you just have to construct it using good techniques, then run it and see how it turns out.

Post a photo when you have it working.

Good luck!

Thanks for your advice, it will be a big help! :D
I think I will be using subwoofer magnet.
Thanks again, I will update you as soon as I finished it :D

SteamKing said:
A speed of 1500 RPM is pretty ambitious. You should set your sights on getting the motor to turn.
At a speed of 1500 RPM, a motor fabricated by hand is going to have a lot of imbalance in the rotor. Even if you were to achieve this speed, the motor would probably destroy itself due to vibration in short order.

Haha yeah you're right. But every 100 RPM, I will have 1 point. haha.. I guess there's no harm in trying..
 
sharm8 said:
Haha yeah you're right. But every 100 RPM, I will have 1 point. haha.. I guess there's no harm in trying..
Wear safety glasses when you're testing it it!
 
The strength of the magnets changes the efficiency of the motor (and that might be a factor here) but in general stronger magnets make the no load speed slower. The motor will accelerate from rest until the back emf equals the applied voltage. If you increase the strength of the magnets the back emf increases so it matches the applied voltage at a lower rpm. Best experiment with different magnets.
 
gneill said:
Wear safety glasses when you're testing it it!
Noted :)
 
CWatters said:
The strength of the magnets changes the efficiency of the motor (and that might be a factor here) but in general stronger magnets make the no load speed slower. The motor will accelerate from rest until the back emf equals the applied voltage. If you increase the strength of the magnets the back emf increases so it matches the applied voltage at a lower rpm. Best experiment with different magnets.
Nice idea. thanks :) I will have different magnets.
 
  • #10
the problem with 1500RPM is: with the limited materials you are allowed to use even if you use a near perfectly turned center piece to coil on you only have paper clips and thumbtacks to hold it in place while it spins neither of which will make a solid or even balanced axle.
 
  • #11
dragoneyes001 said:
the problem with 1500RPM is: with the limited materials you are allowed to use even if you use a near perfectly turned center piece to coil on you only have paper clips and thumbtacks to hold it in place while it spins neither of which will make a solid or even balanced axle.
Use 16d (16 penny) thumbtacks :D
 
  • #12
rebar sized paper clips?
 
  • #13
dragoneyes001 said:
rebar sized paper clips?
There you go...
 
  • #15
I'd have to say 10k/rpm claimed is still a stretch but the idea of using the magnet to attach the screw to the battery was a nice touch removes half the instability of the shaft.
 
  • #16
  • #17
Well done!

Thanks for posting. http://imageshack.com/a/img29/6853/xn4n.gif
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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