Magnetic Propulsion - Possible?

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    Magnetic Propulsion
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using magnetic propulsion for levitation against gravity, particularly in the context of Earth's magnetic field and the properties of magnets. Participants explore theoretical and practical aspects of magnetic levitation, including the necessary conditions and limitations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that everything in the universe is round and questions the possibility of using round magnets for levitation against gravity.
  • Another participant counters that not everything is round and clarifies that the Earth's magnetic field does not stabilize us, emphasizing the need for opposing magnets or ferrous materials for levitation.
  • Several participants argue that it is impractical or impossible to levitate using only the Earth's magnetic field and a single set of magnets, noting the necessity of additional support or strong magnets.
  • One participant discusses the concept of magnetic field distortion, stating that the Earth's weak magnetic field makes levitation impossible due to excessive distortion when a magnet is introduced.
  • A question is raised about whether a sufficiently large magnet could leverage a larger section of the Earth's magnetic field to achieve levitation, despite distortion.
  • Another participant provides a quantitative perspective, mentioning the energy density of the Earth's magnetic field as a limiting factor for levitation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express skepticism about the possibility of levitating using only the Earth's magnetic field and a single magnet, with multiple competing views on the conditions necessary for magnetic levitation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the potential of larger magnets or alternative configurations.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations related to the strength of the Earth's magnetic field and the practical challenges of achieving levitation, including the need for strong magnets or additional support structures.

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I am new to this forum, so please excuse my ignorance. I was thinking about how everything in the universe is round, right? Well, the Earth is made up of two magnetic poles. North pole, and south pole. It is what keeps the Earth stabilized. Is it possible to utilize round magnets for levitation against gravity?
 
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Welcome to PF.

1. Not everything in the universe is round.

2. The Earths magnetic field does not keep us stable.

3. Any magnet can be used to levitate against gravity, but you must have an opposing magnet / ferrous material to provide the attraction/repulsion force required.

See Maglev for an example of 'hovering' trains that use magnetic fields for near frictionless travel.

I'm not sure how you got from things being round to levitation, but it's something of a weird connection.
 
It is not practical, if even possible, to levitate just using the Earth's magnetic field and 1 set of magnets. You need 2 sets or something like a rail to use as support and such.
 
Drakkith said:
It is not practical, if even possible, to levitate just using the Earth's magnetic field and 1 set of magnets. You need 2 sets or something like a rail to use as support and such.

I think there's another thread floating around that talks about Earth's field and levitation, it shows it just isn't possible without an incredibly strong magnet on the vehicle (way beyond anything practical or we're capable of).
 
I would like to respond to this.

Magnetic levitation is possible only if the magnetic field being distorted(ie, the Earth's magnetic field) is such to be able to support the "levitating" magnet. That is, the distortion must NOT be too much, else levitation will not occur.

With our earth, the natural magnetic field is incredibly weak, thus it's distortion is very high when a magnet is in it's environment.
So high that levitation is impossble.

To make matters worse, a very strong magnet/electromagnet only increases the "negative" distortion of the local Earth's magnetic field, making it even LESS liikely to levitate.
 
I see what you are saying pallidin, and don't disagree, but just wanted to ask that if you had a large enough magnet would the force from a larger section of the Earth's magnetic field be able to hold something up as a whole? Even if it is distorting?
 
Drakkith said:
I see what you are saying pallidin, and don't disagree, but just wanted to ask that if you had a large enough magnet would the force from a larger section of the Earth's magnetic field be able to hold something up as a whole? Even if it is distorting?

A local Earth's magnetic field is unable to support, I would suppose, less than a fraction of one ounce, so-to-speak.
 
Think about in terms of energy - the energy in the Earth's magnetic field is about 0.001 J/m^3. That's the ballpark you've got to work with.
 

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