Can a Permanent Magnet Hoverboard Work on a Magnetic Floor?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the feasibility of constructing a permanent magnet hoverboard that operates on a magnetic floor. The user plans to utilize approximately 400 magnets, each providing 250g of lift, arranged in a precise pattern on both the hoverboard and the floor, which will be made from plywood. Key concerns include the implications of Earnshaw's theorem on stability, the potential for the board to flip due to the arrangement of magnets, and the effectiveness of a gyroscopic flywheel for steering. The user seeks clarification on whether the design can maintain stability and lift without flipping or leaving the magnetic field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Earnshaw's theorem and its implications on magnetic stability.
  • Knowledge of magnetic field interactions and arrays.
  • Familiarity with CNC milling techniques for precise magnet placement.
  • Basic principles of gyroscopic motion and its application in steering mechanisms.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Earnshaw's theorem in relation to magnetic levitation systems.
  • Explore the effects of magnetic field interactions in arrays of permanent magnets.
  • Investigate the design and implementation of gyroscopic systems for stability and steering.
  • Examine case studies of existing magnetic levitation projects for practical insights.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, engineers, and inventors interested in magnetic levitation technology, particularly those exploring the construction of hoverboards or similar devices. It is also relevant for anyone studying the practical applications of magnetic fields and gyroscopic motion.

spikie1
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Ive had a look through the forums regarding this subject but I've found more questions than answers to issues that i would like to know
firstly I am planning on building a perminant magnet hoverboard that floats on a perminant magnet floor
slightly crazy i know
the board is a skateboard in size I've covered it in holes 10mm dia 5 mm deep with a 6 hole pcd of 13mm so they are very closely packed together I've done this with a cnc mill so they are pretty accuratly spaced I am planning on doing the same with the floor was going to use a full sheet of ply as a starter
Now for some questions i know Earnshaws theorem won't allow a stable floating magnet in a stable field etc
but if the field is wide enough ie an ice rink i wouldn't slip out of the field as there are walls around the edge of the rink? Is that true would it work? Also issue with board flipping because of size of magnets been used approx 400 on a board would it flip because there isn't enough energy to flip board because there force only exerts over a small range individualy about 250g over about 10mm repulsively
so if boards can't flip because of range of the repulsive force even if it did the amount of force on the other side if the board is reduced due to the thickness of the board
and the board can't leave the field because there are walls around the rink
Would it work? Or would fields combine amoung small magnets etc
i haven't been able to find any info on fields in magnetic arrays and i don't really want to spend a huge anount on magnets just to find out that that there are other forces at work that I am unaware of
im hoping that 400 ish magnets each with 250g of lift will be enough to elivate a person 10mm and not flip the board and the walls around the rink will stop the board leaving the field
the floor will be same spacing and same magnets as board
 
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I forgot to mention i am also planning on mounting an enclosed flywheel on the front of the board in the hope that i can use the gyroscopic action of it to provide some steering by tilting the board I am hoping it will pull the nose left and right anyone know how much mass ill need in this?
 

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