Very Large Diameter Electromagnet (solenoid)

In summary: So the closer the magnets are to the trolley, the more powerful the field will be and the faster it will move. So the closer the magnets are to the trolley, the more powerful the field will be and the faster it will move.Is it possible to adjust the size (strength) of the permanent magnets for each trolley such that the trolleys nearer the center would have larger magnets than those nearer the edge of the pipe?Yes, it is possible to adjust the size of the magnets.
  • #1
CS Bence
12
0
I am toying with an idea and not sure if it's feasible. Here is the setup: There is a 6' diameter steel pipe that is 30' long standing up vertically. Inside, among other stuff, are ~20 small 'trolleys' on tracks that run from top to bottom, spread out evenly among the cross sectional area of the pipe. There is a strong permanent magnet of to-be-determined size on each trolley, with north/south axis parallel to the pipe. Around the pipe would be the windings of an electromagnet to create a flux which would move these trolleys slowly up and down the length of the pipe continuously. I expect to see 20 lbs of resistance from each trolley going down, and 20 lbs + the weight of the trolley going up.

The big picture questions are:

Would an electromagnet of that diameter be feasible? Would it even act as an electromagnet without a massive current?

Do the coils of the magnet need to run the whole length of the pipe, of could I have one coil in the middle, or possible multiple coils evenly spaced?

To balance the trolley force would I simply adjust the size (strength) of the permanent magnets for each trolley such that the trolleys nearer the center would have larger magnets than those nearer the edge of the pipe?

Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
To move them up and down, you'll need a segmented coil over the whole pipe where you can power each segment individually, so you can change the position of the magnetic field over time. Getting a really slow and smooth motion sounds challenging.
CS Bence said:
I expect to see 20 lbs of resistance from each trolley going down, and 20 lbs + the weight of the trolley going up.
What happens to the weight of the trolleys going down?
 
  • #3
The weight is still there going down... That should read ( 20 lbs - weight ) going down.

Does the large diameter not give you any pause?
 
  • #4
What do you mean by "pause"?

Forces from magnets nearby tend to be inhomogeneous - once a trolley starts moving towards a field, it feels an even stronger field and accelerates faster.
 

FAQ: Very Large Diameter Electromagnet (solenoid)

What is a Very Large Diameter Electromagnet?

A Very Large Diameter Electromagnet, also known as a solenoid, is a type of electromagnet that has a large diameter compared to its length. It is a coil of wire that produces a magnetic field when an electric current is passed through it.

How does a Very Large Diameter Electromagnet work?

A Very Large Diameter Electromagnet works by converting electrical energy into magnetic energy. When an electric current flows through the coil of wire, it creates a magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field is determined by the amount of current and the number of turns in the coil.

What are some applications of Very Large Diameter Electromagnets?

Very Large Diameter Electromagnets have a wide range of applications, including particle accelerators, MRI machines, and magnetic levitation trains. They are also used in research, industry, and everyday devices such as doorbells and speakers.

What are the advantages of using a Very Large Diameter Electromagnet?

The main advantage of using a Very Large Diameter Electromagnet is its ability to produce a strong and uniform magnetic field. This makes it useful for a variety of applications, including precision measurements and particle acceleration. It is also more efficient and cost-effective than permanent magnets.

What are the limitations of Very Large Diameter Electromagnets?

One limitation of Very Large Diameter Electromagnets is that they require a constant flow of electricity to maintain their magnetic field. This can be costly and may limit their use in certain applications. Additionally, the size and weight of the magnet can make it difficult to transport and install in some settings.

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