Couple magnetic experimental questions

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on two experimental projects involving the acceleration and manipulation of spherical metal or magnetic balls using electromagnets. The first project aims to create a particle accelerator-like system where a metal sphere is kept suspended and accelerated around a circular track using solenoid coils. The second project explores the possibility of rotating a magnet or metal sphere solely through magnetic fields. Key concepts include the use of alternating current in electromagnets and the potential application of linear induction motors in a circular configuration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetism and solenoid coils
  • Familiarity with alternating current (AC) principles
  • Knowledge of magnetic field manipulation techniques
  • Basic concepts of linear induction motors
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and operation of linear induction motors
  • Explore methods for stabilizing objects in magnetic fields
  • Investigate the principles of magnetic levitation
  • Learn about circuit design for controlling electromagnets
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This discussion is beneficial for experimental physicists, hobbyists in electromagnetism, and engineers interested in magnetic field applications and innovative propulsion systems.

khemist
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So I am considering attempting to build a couple of projects to fill in some time, and I am looking for critiques and help on creating these.. Both deal with spherical metal balls (most likely iron, or maybe even a magnet) and a magnetic field.

1. I would like to make something like a particle accelerator, but instead of accelerating particles I would be accelerating a metal or magnetic sphere around a track. My idea is to place electromagnets, more like solenoid coils around the track to keep the ball accelerating around the track. The problem is how would I keep the sphere suspended in the field without it falling or hitting the side of the track in between the magnets? I thought maybe I would just have to have the entire track be surrounded by these, and simply have a circuit board or a program that would alternate the current on the magnets. I obviously do not need to have it in a vacuum (or would I...), but again my problem is keeping the sphere suspended in the middle of the track without hitting the sides.

2. This is more speculative, and if it is possible it would be interesting to make... Similar to the first project, I would suspend a magnet/ metal sphere in a magnetic field. Now, is it possible to have the object rotate using only magnetic fields? I would think I could make it rotate about its poles, but in thought I don't know if it would make the sphere spin uniformly or if it would wobble more than spin. Essentially it would be the same thing as the first, where I would have alternating current on an electromagnet?

Any help is appreciated. If anyone has any resources in respect to these questions, please feel free to post away! Thanks.
 
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What you want is the something like a linear induction motor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_motor"
 
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I have seen a little bit on that, and looked at youtube videos on having thsoe built. However, I would like to see if I could make it a circular track instead of a straight tube.

It appears that I could have a track that WAS a magnet (or lined with magnets), and then provide currents to separate electromagnets to propel the sphere?
 

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