Electromagnetic holding force to size of Magnet Ratio

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the feasibility of using a seven-ounce electromagnet to hold a load of 600 pounds for a semi-permanent wire swing attached to a steel plate. The user seeks to understand the relationship between the electromagnet's holding force and the weight it must support, particularly under dynamic conditions when a person swings. Key points include the need for significant electrical power to achieve the desired holding force and the comparison between electromagnets and permanent magnets in terms of strength and practicality.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnet principles and design
  • Knowledge of mechanical forces and load calculations
  • Familiarity with electrical power requirements for electromagnets
  • Basic physics of swinging motion and forces involved
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  • Research the specifications and capabilities of small electromagnets
  • Explore the design and application of permanent magnets in dynamic load scenarios
  • Study the physics of pendulum motion and forces acting on swinging objects
  • Investigate electrical power supply options for high-capacity electromagnets
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Engineers, hobbyists, and physics enthusiasts interested in electromagnet applications, mechanical design, and safety considerations in dynamic load systems.

Cire Venn
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Hey all, I'm new here and hoping to enjoy glorious physics with you all!
I have a problem and a question; the problem is I don't know much about electromagnets and want to build something rather involved using an electromagnet. XD
The question shall be explained..
General Concept:
I'm going to build a semi-permanent wire swing; this swing shall be attached to a 2 inch thick steel plate by a small electromagnet; the steel plate permanently mounted to a tree. (imagine a wire with an electromagnet on one end affixed to a steel plate)
I'm going to use mechanical means to toss the electromagnet at the steel plate trailing the wire; the wire and magnet need to be under one pound or I won't be able to propel it without an unrealistically large amount of force. The wire weighs nine onuses; that leaves seven onuses for the magnet. So my question is this: is it possible for a seven ounce electromagnet to hold 600 pounds; assuming there is no limit to the amount of electricity I can power the magnet with?

Reason for 600 pounds...
With safety in mind; If a 200 lbs man were to swing from a 90 degree angel; the most force the wire (and magnet) will be under is about three times the weight of the man; thus the 600 lbs.
 
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If the electromagnet is suppoed to hold the whole swing (with a passenger), where is the point in the strict weight requirement? Can you draw a sketch?
US-units are weird, but I still think those specifications are hard to meet. It would be much easier with permanent magnets. There are geometries where you can rotate them to switch their external field on and off.
 
mfb said:
If the electromagnet is suppoed to hold the whole swing (with a passenger), where is the point in the strict weight requirement? Can you draw a sketch?
US-units are weird, but I still think those specifications are hard to meet. It would be much easier with permanent magnets. There are geometries where you can rotate them to switch their external field on and off.
It would be easier with permanent magnets? I was under the impression electromagnetic magnets were more powerful.
Where is the point in the strict weight requirement? Do you mean what is the point in the struct weight requirement? As for where it is the most extra force is exerted at the point when the wire is vertical during the swing.
 
Cire Venn said:
I was under the impression electromagnetic magnets were more powerful.
For the same weight? No.
They can give a higher peak magnetic field.

Cire Venn said:
Where is the point in the strict weight requirement? Do you mean what is the point in the struct weight requirement?
I mean strict.
Cire Venn said:
As for where it is the most extra force is exerted at the point when the wire is vertical during the swing.
I don't understand what you mean.

Please give a sketch of the setup, that would really help to understand what you want to do with the magnet.
 

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