Can Rare Earth Magnets Lift a Moving 200,000 lb Object?

  • Thread starter Thread starter tj111
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Force
AI Thread Summary
Rare Earth magnets can theoretically lift a 200,000 lb moving object by placing a magnet at each corner. The discussion highlights the feasibility of using large neodymium magnets for this purpose. A pull force calculator for rare Earth magnets was shared to assist in understanding the necessary magnet strength. The conversation also addresses the relationship between attractive and repulsive forces of magnets, indicating they are calculated similarly. Overall, the use of rare Earth magnets for lifting heavy objects is supported by both practical suggestions and theoretical explanations.
tj111
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hello. I'm new to the forum and I hope this is the correct place for this question. Would it be possible to lift a 200,000 lb rectangular object that is in motion using rare Earth permanent magnets at each corner?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes. Place a magnet under each corner and lift away.
 
GRDixon said:
Yes. Place a magnet under each corner and lift away.

Rofl. Or get big enough magnets and lift from the top.
 
Thanks Bob. I will check that out.
 
Hi Bob, Thanks again for your response. I checked out the calculator. My next question, being that the calculator dealt with attractive force, is the repulsive force of a magnet equal to the attractive force of a magnet?
 
tj111 said:
Hi Bob, Thanks again for your response. I checked out the calculator. My next question, being that the calculator dealt with attractive force, is the repulsive force of a magnet equal to the attractive force of a magnet?
The repulsive force of two same-polarity magnet poles is due to the spacial-derivative of the total magnetic energy (magnetic energy density integrated over all space):

W = 1/2 ∫B·H dVvolume

The force along x is then

Fx = dW/dx

This is the same force that attracts a magnet to a steel plate, at least it is calculated in a similar way.

Bob S
 
Back
Top