How Does an Electric Motor Work?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the operation of electric motors, specifically focusing on the mechanics behind the movement of a spinning wheel in relation to magnetic field lines. Participants highlight that rolling the wheel in the desired direction is essential before current flows through it. The current causes the balls within the motor to heat up and deform asymmetrically, resulting in movement. Despite the intriguing demonstration of high RPMs, the consensus is that this method has low efficiency and lacks practical applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric motor principles
  • Familiarity with magnetic fields and their interaction with electric currents
  • Basic knowledge of thermal effects in materials
  • Experience with mechanical motion and rotational dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic induction in electric motors
  • Explore the efficiency metrics of various electric motor designs
  • Learn about the thermal properties of materials used in electric motors
  • Investigate advanced motor technologies, such as brushless DC motors
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physics students, hobbyists interested in electric motor design, and anyone seeking to understand the mechanics of electric motors and their applications.

SirR3D
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Can anyone explain how this electric motor works?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7LOF1GZpdo

The spinning wheel is parallel to the magnetic field lines produced by the current through the shaft so what exactly drives this?
 
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SirR3D said:
Can anyone explain how this electric motor works?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7LOF1GZpdo

The spinning wheel is parallel to the magnetic field lines produced by the current through the shaft so what exactly drives this?

I've read the wiki article (link) From what I've understood, you first need to roll the wheel in the direction you want. When the current flows through it, the balls get warmer and get asymmetrically deformed which causes it to move. It also says that it has no practical usage because of its insignificantly low efficiency.
(I think the german article was more understandable. And in the english article it says the effect can also be explained without the thermal effects.)
 
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Garlic said:
From what I've understood, you first need to roll the wheel in the direction you want.

yes you do, as was done in the video

Garlic said:
When the current flows through it, the balls get warmer and get asymmetrically deformed which causes it to move.

if that is correct ... it's a reason I would have never have thought of

Quite an interesting demo, it got up to a really high RPM !Dave
 

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