How does a square shaped magnet act like a ring magnet?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of a square-shaped magnet used in a magnetic levitron project, which surprisingly functions similarly to a ring magnet. The user observes that when the square magnet is positioned differently, it exhibits varying attraction and repulsion characteristics. Key insights include the importance of magnet arrangement for stability and the density of NdFeB magnets, which is approximately 7.5 g/cm3. The conversation highlights the unique polarization of the square magnet compared to standard ceramic magnets.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic levitation principles
  • Knowledge of magnet polarization and configurations
  • Familiarity with NdFeB magnet properties
  • Basic concepts of magnetic field interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the polarization techniques for square-shaped magnets
  • Explore the properties and applications of NdFeB magnets
  • Investigate the design principles of magnetic levitron systems
  • Learn about stability in magnet configurations and their effects on performance
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for engineers, physicists, and hobbyists involved in magnetic levitation projects, as well as those interested in advanced magnet configurations and their applications in stability and performance.

ardakaraca
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Hi, I'm working with a magnetic levitron project and I've borrowed a professional levitron to see how it works. When I remove the back cap, unexpectedly I saw a square shaped magnet instead of ring magnet. But it acts like almost a ring magnet. I'll explain the difference with images below.

At first image green labels show the reactions of another ceramic magnet when magnet located like 2nd and 3rd image.(When the levitron is flipped like 2nd,3rd and 4th images middle section attracts and the sides repels)

At 2nd and 3rd images, middle section attracts and the sides repels.

At 4th image, middle section repels and the sides attracts.

Finally my question is how the base magnet(1st image) polarized?(I mean what is the difference between regular square shaped ceramic magnet and that one?)

http://ardaka.com/img/1.jpg http://ardaka.com/img/IMG_0744.JPG http://ardaka.com/img/IMG_0745.JPG http://ardaka.com/img/IMG_0746.JPG
 
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For a commercial product, you want the magnet arrangement to be very stable. No matter how the magnets look internally, putting them in a square block is a good way to fix them.

You can check the average density. NdFeB magnets (and I guess you have those, but the values are not that different for other iron-based magnets) have a density of roughly 7.5 g/cm3. Is the average density of your block significantly lower?

There is no magnet configuration that would be stable against all possible motions of the magnets, so the arrangement guarantees stability against lateral motion only. Tilting is suppressed via the rotation of the magnet.
 

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