Rotating Magnetic Rings: Can Inner Ring Rotate?

[apkrishna1963]

large number of magnets attached to a fixed non magnetic circular ring. Another non magnetic smaller radius ring with equal number of magnets is taken. Here magnets are attached such a way that like polls of the magnets of bigger and smaller rings are facing each other. Due to repulsive force is there a possibility of inner ring begin to rotate? Please explain.

 

[BruceW]

I'd guess the inner ring would rotate (if it was given a nudge to start it going). Like how a maglev train works.
Although due to the set-up, your rings might be more likely to fall out of plane with each other, so there would probably need to be some kind of stabilising mechanism.
Also, I reckon the rings would be less stable if they were small, since the magnetic fields of different parts of the ring would overlap.

 

[BruceW]

I guess its possible, but would be tricky to make...

 

[rcgldr]

The inner ring would tend to orient itself so it's magnets were between the outer magnets to maximize the distance between opposing poles. There might be some oscillation until it stablized, but it wouldn't rotate on it's own.

Regarding a maglev train, it's effectively rotating all the inner or outer magnets. There are two basic types of techonology used. Both need an input power source (the engines) in order to accomplish this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev_(transport)#Technology

 

[sardar]

Yes, it is possible for the inner ring to rotate due to the repulsive force between the magnets. This is known as the "magnetic spring" effect, where the repulsive force between the like poles of the magnets causes a rotational motion. This effect can be observed in various systems, such as magnetic bearings and magnetic levitation trains.

In this specific scenario, the magnets on the inner ring will experience a repulsive force from the magnets on the outer ring, causing the inner ring to rotate in the direction of the repulsive force. The rotation will continue until the repulsive force is balanced by the frictional forces acting on the inner ring.

The strength of the repulsive force and the resulting rotation will depend on the number and strength of the magnets, as well as the distance between the rings. If the magnets are evenly spaced and the distance between the rings is small, the rotation may be significant. However, if the magnets are not evenly spaced or the distance between the rings is large, the rotation may be minimal.

It is important to note that the rotation will also depend on the orientation of the magnets. If the magnets on the inner ring are not perfectly aligned with the magnets on the outer ring, the repulsive force may not be strong enough to induce rotation.

In conclusion, the arrangement of magnets described in this scenario can potentially lead to the rotation of the inner ring due to the repulsive force between the magnets. However, the strength and extent of the rotation will depend on various factors and may not occur if the magnets are not properly aligned.