Building an AC generator with a permanent magnet and coil

[nguyentech]

Hey, I need to make an AC Generator for a school physics assignment.
It will be marked on how much voltage it generates.

I will be doing this using induction with the following equipment:
* Permanent magnet
* Coil/Wire
* Iron Core
* Split Rings/Brushes ?

My questions are:
* What's the best material for the coil/wire?
* How can I make a good iron-core?
* When constructing the coil, does it matter if the coil is wounded so that it is touching itself throughout the iron-core (ie. there is no visible spacing between the coils/turns)?
* Are split rings/brushes necessary? What are they for?


Any help is appreciated.

 

[kuruman]

What's the best material for the coil/wire?

Enameled magnet wire.

How can I make a good iron-core?

Use soft iron. Its specific design will depend on your rotating coil.

When constructing the coil, does it matter if the coil is wounded so that it is touching itself throughout the iron-core (ie. there is no visible spacing between the coils/turns)?

It matters because the turns should not be shorting. Enameled magnet wire provides the insulation you need.

Are split rings/brushes necessary? What are they for?

Split rings are used in the commutator and brushes provide continuous electrical contact between a part that's moving and a part that's stationary.