Designing a rectangular vacuum chamber -- Help please

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of a rectangular vacuum chamber intended for a project involving a magnetic levitation system. Participants explore the feasibility of constructing the chamber from 1/2 inch steel, the implications of material choice, and the effects of air pressure on the experiment being conducted.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on constructing a vacuum chamber from 1/2 inch steel and inquires about the effectiveness of welding the sides for sealing.
  • Another participant asks for details about the intended use of the chamber, the target pressure, and the experience level with vacuum systems.
  • A participant mentions the need for the chamber's interior to remain empty for testing the effect of air density on magnetic acceleration.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential impact of the heavy steel chamber on the magnetic levitation system, suggesting it may overshadow the effects of reduced air pressure.
  • There is a suggestion to consider using austenitic stainless steel instead of regular steel, which may mitigate some issues.
  • A recommendation is made to explore vacuum chamber technology and consider alternative designs, such as large diameter round tubing, along with various material options like glass and acrylic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the suitability of the proposed design and materials, with no consensus reached on the best approach or the potential effects of the chamber on the experiment.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully addressed the structural integrity of the chamber under vacuum conditions, nor have they resolved the implications of material choice on the experiment's outcomes.

olgkd123
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Hello everyone! I want to design a rectangle vacuum chamber (12x12x72) out of 1/2 steel. I would be welding the sides together to form a seal. Would this work? any suggestions on what I could do? Thx! (I not great at this stuff so your help is much appreciated!)
 
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olgkd123 said:
Hello everyone! I want to design a rectangle vacuum chamber (12x12x72) out of 1/2 steel. I would be welding the sides together to form a seal. Would this work? any suggestions on what I could do? Thx! (I not great at this stuff so your help is much appreciated!)
Welcome to the PF.

What is the chamber for? What pressure will you be pumping it down to? Can you put in additional structural braces between the sides in the middle of the chamber? What experience do you have working with vacuum systems?
 
I am doing a project where I need the space in the middle of the chamber to be empty. I never made/ worked with a vacuum chamber myself, but I know the basics. I was hoping to go low, but I don't know how low I can go. I will be placing a mag lev system inside where I will be testing "The effect of air density on magnetic acceleration. Thx, please ask for any info you need, sorry for not giving it.
 
Won't the potentially large effect of the massive steel chamber on the maglev system swamp any tiny effect from reducing air pressure ?
 
Nidum said:
Won't the potentially large effect of the massive steel chamber on the maglev system swamp any tiny effect from reducing air pressure ?
i will be using austenitic stainless steel
 
That may ease the problem a little but not eliminate it .

You will find it useful to research vacuum chamber technology generally .

What about looking at large diameter round tubing as specifically made for vacuum chambers ? Choice of materials available includes metals , Glass and Acrylic .
 

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