Electromagetic movement of water

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter voltronforce
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SUMMARY

Electromagnetic movement of water is theoretically possible but requires an extremely strong electromagnetic field, which is impractical for small applications like tabletop fountains. A prototype ship utilizing superconducting electromagnets achieved minimal movement at only 2 mph. Inducing an electric current through the water stream using electrodes positioned perpendicular to the flow may offer a feasible alternative, though it necessitates careful implementation and potentially adding salt to the water to enhance conductivity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic fields and their properties
  • Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, particularly current induction
  • Familiarity with the use of electrodes in conductive solutions
  • Basic understanding of superconducting materials and their applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic fields and their effects on fluids
  • Learn about current induction techniques in conductive liquids
  • Explore the use of electrodes in water for inducing electric currents
  • Investigate superconducting electromagnets and their practical applications
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for electrical engineers, hobbyists interested in fluid dynamics, and anyone exploring innovative designs for water features or electromagnetic applications.

voltronforce
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Hi.

I was wondering how strong an electromagnet would have to be to move water, such as a low stream from a tap or something..

I searched the forum a bit to the answer to this, and while i did discover that an electromagnetic field of sufficient strength will move water, the strength required was not described.

The reason i ask is because i was thinking of making a modification to one of those tabletop water feature fountains as a gift idea. Is this even possible? Is there a better way? Or should i just go with a voucher or something...

Thanks in advance.
 
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voltronforce said:
Hi.

I was wondering how strong an electromagnet would have to be to move water, such as a low stream from a tap or something..

I searched the forum a bit to the answer to this, and while i did discover that an electromagnetic field of sufficient strength will move water, the strength required was not described.

The reason i ask is because i was thinking of making a modification to one of those tabletop water feature fountains as a gift idea. Is this even possible? Is there a better way? Or should i just go with a voucher or something...

Thanks in advance.
Moving water magnetically just isn"t going to happen. Try to find a different gift :o)
 
It takes an enormous amount of power. A prototype ship was built using this idea (think: "The Hunt for Red October"). It used massive superconducting electromagnets and was only able to move at 2 mph.
 
Cool. Back to the drawing board then.. Thanks for the help guys.
 
One possibility would be to induce an electric current through the steam of water, now you may be able to move the water by varying an external magnetic field.

The quesion would be how to induce the current... safely.
 
You put electrodes in the water between the magnet poles. The electrodes have to be perpendicular to the wate flow.

I believe and old microwave oven magnet would work. You may have to put salt in the water to get enought current. I believe on the order of an amp
 

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