NationStates Jolt Archive

Okay, so I'm building a small (picture about 6" X 2") maglev train for tech class. So far I have two designs to power it: one by an eletric motor w/a 9V battery and propeller (more thrust but heavier) and a propeller that can wound by a rubber band (less thrust but lighter). And yes, I'm aware of the fact I need to put magnets underneath the repel the car from the track.

Granted that both of these designs could probably make the required distance along the track, but any advice on how to make simple but concise improvements to it?

Okay, so I'm building a small (picture about 6" X 2") maglev train for tech class. So far I have two designs to power it: one by an eletric motor w/a 9V battery and propeller (more thrust but heavier) and a propeller that can wound by a rubber band (less thrust but lighter). And yes, I'm aware of the fact I need to put magnets underneath the repel the car from the track.

Granted that both of these designs could probably make the required distance along the track, but any advice on how to make simple but concise improvements to it?
Um ... I'm not all that good with this sort of thing ( mostly by choice ), but aren't the magnets suppose to propell the MagLev as well as suspend it over the track? :confused:

Okay, so I'm building a small (picture about 6" X 2") maglev train for tech class. So far I have two designs to power it: one by an eletric motor w/a 9V battery and propeller (more thrust but heavier) and a propeller that can wound by a rubber band (less thrust but lighter). And yes, I'm aware of the fact I need to put magnets underneath the repel the car from the track.

Granted that both of these designs could probably make the required distance along the track, but any advice on how to make simple but concise improvements to it?
Why not create the motion by energizing an electromagnet? You could probably combine the lifting forces and the propulsive forces into the same magnet system.

Um ... I'm not all that good with this sort of thing ( mostly by choice ), but aren't the magnets suppose to propell the MagLev as well as suspend it over the track? :confused:
Forrest, you win a star from the physics prof.

Why not create the motion by energizing an electromagnet? You could probably combine the lifting forces and the propulsive forces into the same magnet system.
the problem with that is that it would burn out the battery pretty fast (tho a few seconds of thrust would probably suffice). Now I'd have to figure out how to create a continuous circuit between my 6 magnets on the bottom and the battery.

the problem with that is that it would burn out the battery pretty fast (tho a few seconds of thrust would probably suffice). Now I'd have to figure out how to create a continuous circuit between my 6 magnets on the bottom and the battery.
Power is always a problem. Those 'titanium' and lithium batteries that go in cameras and smoke detectors are probably the best bet. I don't know how many mA--Hrs you can get from one of the 9 V smoke detector batteries, but you can always parallel them. The EM circuit would be a little easier. Remember how an electric motor works? You wind some coils that are passed by magnets to generate a voltage?

I don't know how much of your grade goes to technical creativity and how much is just based on solving the problem. If you don't care how the device is propelled, just put a sail on it and whistle.

"You do know how to whistle, don't you? Just pucker up your lips and blow" -- To Have and Have Not

Sorry, I just watched that movie last night and I couldn't resist.

I don't know how much of your grade goes to technical creativity and how much is just based on solving the problem. If you don't care how the device is propelled, just put a sail on it and whistle
Hahah ya - unfortunately it has to be self-propeled, so it rules that out.

You're making a mag-lev train for your tech project? I made a table...

It was a damn good table though, I got an A.:)

You're making a mag-lev train for your tech project? I made a table...
It was a damn good table though, I got an A.:)
A maglev table? Niice - I see a bright future of maglev air hockey for you :D

A maglev table? Niice - I see a bright future of maglev air hockey for you :D

ROFL:p