Creating an electromagnetic board for levitation

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on creating a magnetic levitation board using various techniques, including flux pinning and electromagnet configurations. The concept of flux pinning requires specific materials and significant energy output, while a quad-copter design is limited to conductive surfaces and has stability issues. A proposed solution involves constructing a surface of numerous electromagnets that can dynamically adjust to repel embedded permanent magnets in a hoverboard. Additionally, using an AC magnetic field to generate eddy currents can help reduce friction, although it does not eliminate it entirely.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic levitation principles
  • Knowledge of flux pinning and its requirements
  • Familiarity with electromagnet design and control systems
  • Basic concepts of AC magnetic fields and eddy currents
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the materials required for flux pinning applications
  • Explore the design and functionality of electromagnet arrays for levitation
  • Investigate the principles of AC magnetic fields and their effects on conductive materials
  • Study existing magnetic levitation projects, such as the Hendo hoverboard
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, hobbyists, and researchers interested in magnetic levitation technology, DIY enthusiasts exploring innovative levitation solutions, and those looking to reduce friction in mechanical systems.

Brendan Staley
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I am wondering if it is at all possible to create a magnetic board which is capable of repelling magnets. I am looking up magnetic levitation and would like to make a DIY version at home. Any tips/tricks to make this.
Thanks in advance!
 
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reminds me of this video:
 
bsheikho said:
reminds me of this video:

Problem with this one the magnet is underneath (or is it above later in the video?) and is at a very cold cold temperature.
This is called Flux pinning, and it is not just levitation it locks. What exactly is the problem? to have a pin you need certain materials and loads of energy output from the disc itself.

There is a different concept where the magnets are on the board in a quad-copter configuration, but is limited to be used only over conductive surfaces. There is/was one built by Hendo but is unstable, and very heavy making it hard to control and it wasn't a DIY hack. (also very noisy)

Either way it would be quite a bill to try and prototyping it. Unless there was another way to make a overboard I am unaware of.
 
DarkBabylon said:
Problem with this one the magnet is underneath (or is it above later in the video?) and is at a very cold cold temperature.
This is called Flux pinning, and it is not just levitation it locks. What exactly is the problem? to have a pin you need certain materials and loads of energy output from the disc itself.

There is a different concept where the magnets are on the board in a quad-copter configuration, but is limited to be used only over conductive surfaces. There is/was one built by Hendo but is unstable, and very heavy making it hard to control and it wasn't a DIY hack. (also very noisy)

Either way it would be quite a bill to try and prototyping it. Unless there was another way to make a overboard I am unaware of.
I'm in the process of designing a deployable structure, however to replicate zero gravity deployment I am exploring options to remove friction. Therefore I am looking at the possibility of levitation through magnets. I've seen that been done, really interesting however as you've said not practical in my case.
I was hoping to create a magnetic surface in which i could have an opposing magnet to create a repel force? Just wondering if creating that sheet is possible?
Thanks
 
Brendan Staley said:
I was hoping to create a magnetic surface in which i could have an opposing magnet to create a repel force? Just wondering if creating that sheet is possible?
You could construct a surface made up of tens of thousands of electromagnets. Arrange for electronics to sense the location of your hoverboard and cause current to go to just those solenoids directly beneath and around it so they repel the permanent magnets embedded in the hoverboard.

It might be possible to create a dynamic magnetic "well" with electromagnets just outside the periphery of the board's footprint exerting a stronger repulsion to afford the rider stability—where movement in any direction would encounter a user-selectable degree of resistance.
 
You have options. If you have access to cryogenics, then you can go the flux pinning method. Or you can use an AC magnetic field to generate eddy currents in a conductor (like the Hendo board). It doesn't eliminate friction (I think there's some magnetic friction) but it does reduce it to a low level.
 

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