NATIONAL SCHOOL OF SCIENCES (NSS)

TO STUDY THE CONSTRUCTION AND WORKING

OF DC MOTOR

A project work submitted to the department of Physics in

Partial fulfillment of the requirements for the internal evaluation of grade ‘XII’

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY :

Department of Physics Name : Simran Devkota

National School of Sciences(NSS) Roll No : 17

Lainchour-Kathmandu Section : M5

Grade : 12

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 EVALUATION

We certify that we have read this project work and in our opinion it is good in
the scope and quality as the project work in the partial fulfillment for the
requirement of grade-XII of Science in Physics.

EVALUATION COMMITTEE

…………………… .……………………
( Name of supervisor) (Name)
Head of Department of Physics
National School of Sciences
Lainchaur, Kathmandu

………………….… …………………..
External Examiner Internal Examiner

Date:………………

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 ACKNOWLEDGE

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my friend Sudiksha Khadkha who contributed to
the successful completion of this project. It is my good fortune to get a very cooperative teacher
Mr.Rajib Chandra Balbase His support, helpfulness, and constant encouragement kept me
motivated in project work. He provided guidance during the course of the work. I am very much
grateful to them.

I am deeply indebted to my mentor Sudiksha Khadkha whose invaluable insights and guidance
were instrumental in shaping the direction of this analysis. He provided unwavering support and
shared their expertise throughout this project.

I also want to express my thanks to my friends and family, whose unwavering encouragement and
patience were a constant source of motivation during the research and writing phases.

Additionally, I am thankful to the academic community and the available resources that facilitated
the research process.

All the thanks are due to them for everything that I have achieved.

Simran Devkota

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 ABSTRACT

This project delves into the construction and operational principles of DC motors, elucidating their
essential role in the transformation of electrical energy into mechanical motion. Through the setup
of a basic DC motor system, which consists of a coil of copper wire, strong magnets, and
electrically conductive screws, we observed the production of torque as the coil interacted with the
magnetic field. To comprehend the direction of mechanical force, current, and magnetic field within
the motor, we utilized the Fleming Left Hand Rule. Furthermore, the project introduced the concept
of rectifiers, encompassing both half-wave and full-wave rectifiers, which play a pivotal role in
converting alternating current into direct current for the motor's operation.

The investigation yielded a comprehensive grasp of the fundamental components and mechanisms
at play in DC motors, highlighting their ongoing significance in a wide range of applications, from
everyday household devices to heavy-duty industrial machinery. With advancements in power
electronics and the growing emphasis on green energy solutions, DC motors remain indispensable
for delivering precise control and unwavering reliability. This project, therefore, serves as an initial
step for individuals interested in exploring the field of electromechanical systems, providing
valuable insights into the technology that has been powering our world for well over a century.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT Page no
Acknowledge………………………………………………………………………………..……II
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………..III
Table of content…………………………………………………………………………………..IV
Evaluation…………………………………………………………………………………….…...V
Apparatus Required……………………………………………………………………………...6
Background of the study…………………………………………………………………………7
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….…...8
Theory……………………………………………………………………………………………9-10
Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………….11-13
Result……………………………………………………………………………………………….14
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………….15
Reference…………………………………………………………………………………………...16

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IV
 APPARATUS REQUIRED :

● A power pack
● Strong pair of Magnet
● A coil of copper wire
● Two rigid copper wires
● Two electrically conductive screw
● A sturdy piece of wood

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 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

For more than a century, Direct Current (DC) motors have been a cornerstone of electrical
engineering and have found their applications in a wide range of industrial and everyday devices.
These motors are the driving force behind a multitude of machinery, including household
appliances, tools, electric vehicles, and industrial equipment. Understanding the intricacies of DC
motor construction and operation is not only crucial for engineering students and professionals but
also for anyone with a curiosity about the technology that underpins our daily lives.

DC motors operate by converting electrical energy into mechanical motion, a complex

process that involves essential components such as the armature, commutator, brushes, and
magnetic field systems. This project's objective is to delve into the inner workings of DC motors,
shedding light on how they create motion and manage speed and direction. By exploring the
fundamental principles governing their functionality, this study aims to offer a comprehensive grasp
of the construction and mechanics that drive these omnipresent machines. Moreover, considering
the ever-evolving landscape of motor technology, it is vital to grasp the role of DC motors in today's
context and their relevance when compared to alternative technologies like Alternating Current
(AC) motors. This project is not limited to explaining the construction and operation of DC motors;
it also delves into their scope and adaptability in the modern world. This includes considering
advancements in power electronics and their applications in green energy.

In essence, this study serves as a stepping stone for individuals interested in understanding
electromechanical systems, providing valuable insights into the foundational technology that
continues to propel progress and innovation across various industries. By investigating the
construction and operation of DC motors, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the engineering
marvel that powers our world.

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 INTRODUCTION

A DC motor serves as an electromechanical energy converter, transforming direct current electrical

energy into mechanical motion through a combination of magnets, wire coils, and switches. These
motors are widely utilized in diverse applications, including automobiles, textile industries, and
electric water pumps, offering the capability to act as generators, notably for regenerative braking in
hybrid and electric vehicles. Their versatility and historical significance in powering our world are
notable. While they were the initial choice in the early days of widespread electricity usage, they
remain indispensable. Small DC motors are integral in everyday items like toys and tools, providing
precise speed and torque control. In more significant tasks, such as electric cars and elevators, large
DC motors excel. Despite the emergence of alternative technologies like AC motors, DC motors
maintain their unique role in applications demanding reliability, precise control, and a proven track
record, and they continue to be valuable assets in our ever-advancing technological landscape.

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 THEORY

DC CURRENT

Direct Current (DC) is characterized by its unchanging polarity, maintaining a steady flow in
a single direction from the positive terminal to the negative terminal. DC finds widespread use in
batteries, electronic circuits, and various devices and applications that demand a consistent and
unidirectional electrical flow. This type of current is especially well-suited for providing a stable
and continuous source of electrical energy to power electronic components and devices, ensuring
their reliable operation.

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF DC MOTOR

In essence, a DC motor operates on the principle that a coil of wire carrying an electric
current generates a magnetic field, and altering the direction or strength of this current subsequently
modifies the field. A basic DC motor comprises stationary magnets and a rotating armature with
wire coils wound around an iron core. By regulating the flow of current through these coils, the
motor can create a revolving magnetic field, which then interacts with the stationary magnets,
inducing the motor's rotation. The motor's speed can be adjusted by varying the voltage supplied to
the coils.

The DC motor we use is essentially a marvel of science, self-constructed to convert

electrical energy into motion. It functions through a harmonious interplay of magnets, wire coils,
and a power source. When activated, these components collaborate to orchestrate an engaging
choreography of movement, driven by the interaction of electric current coursing through the coil
within a magnetic field.

The motor's enigmatic quality lies in its ability to transform electrical energy into a spinning
force known as torque, which quantifies the rotational force applied to an object. Within the motor,
electrically powered coils of wire rotate within a magnetic field, and the direction and intensity of
this magnetic field, coupled with the flow of electricity, are pivotal in setting the motor in motion.
This entire process empowers the motor to undertake various tasks, such as propelling a fan or
energizing a toy.

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TORQUE

Torque serves as a crucial measure of the force capable of inducing rotational movement
around an axis, akin to how force prompts linear acceleration in kinematics. In our project setup, we
employ specific components, including a coil of copper wire, magnets, and electrically conductive
screws. When we connect the copper wire coil to a power source (such as a power pack) and
position it within the magnetic field generated by a robust pair of magnets, a fundamental
interaction occurs. It is within this interaction that torque is generated.

As electric current courses through the copper wire coil, it gives rise to a magnetic field.
Simultaneously, the magnets or magnetic field within our setup exert their own force. It is at the
juncture where the magnetic field produced by the coil intersects with the magnetic field of the
magnets that torque comes into play. This torque is the driving force that empowers our motor to
undertake mechanical work, initiating the rotation of the motor.

FLEMING LEFT HAND RULE

The Fleming Left Hand Rule is a fundamental guideline in electromagnetism. It states that
when you extend the thumb, middle finger, and index finger of your left hand in a way that they
form a mutually perpendicular arrangement, certain directional relationships become evident.
According to this rule, the thumb indicates the direction of the mechanical force, the middle finger
designates the direction of the electric current, and the index finger signifies the direction of the
magnetic field.

When applied to our project, the Fleming Left Hand Rule proves invaluable in determining
the interplay between these essential elements. In this context, it assists in establishing the direction
of the mechanical force, the current's flow, and the magnetic field that collectively act to induce the
coil's clockwise rotation, shedding light on the intricate dynamics at play within the DC motor
system.

RECTIFIER

A rectifier serves as a device primarily responsible for the conversion of alternating current
(AC) into direct current (DC). In the context of a DC motor, rectifiers are commonly employed to
transform an AC power supply into the required DC power input. In our project, however, we do
not utilize a rectifier as the motor is supplied with DC power from a cell. Nevertheless, in situations

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where a direct current source is unavailable or when there's a need for a substantial amount of DC
power, rectifiers become essential. They play a critical role in converting a large AC current supply
into a corresponding substantial DC supply, ensuring the proper operation of the motor by
supplying the necessary electrical energy in the desired form.

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 METHODOLOGY

To execute this project, I've drawn knowledge from various sources, including online research
through platforms like Google, reference materials such as "Principles of Physics," and practical
guidance from physics manuals like the "Pioneer Physics Practical Book." Initially, I compiled all
the necessary apparatus and components essential for the project. Subsequently, to assemble the DC
motor system, I meticulously followed a series of sequential steps:

Step 1: Take a coil of wire and the wrap it on a circular object like pen,marker and anything as
shown in figure.

Step 2:The stator component consists of angled brackets equipped with slots, and these brackets
offer adjustability in their positioning. The adjustment of these brackets, as illustrated in the
provided figure, serves the crucial purpose of ensuring that the coil can rotate smoothly without any
risk of falling off during operation.

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Step 3: The motor system is composed of two essential components: the stationary stator and the
rotating rotor. Within the stator, angled brackets featuring slots play the role of stabilizing the
system. These brackets are meticulously adjusted in their positioning, as visually demonstrated in
the accompanying figure, to enable the coil's rotation without the risk of it dislodging or falling
during operation.

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Step 4: Wires are attached to provide power supply as shown in figure.

Step 5: Fixing of magnets and running the motor

In the setup, magnets with opposite poles are securely attached to the angled bracket, as illustrated
in the provided figure. To assess the power supply, a multi-meter is employed. Notably, when a
slight force is applied to the coil, the motor initiates its rotation, demonstrating its operational
functionality.

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 RESULT

Our project effectively showcased the foundational principles underlying DC motors. Through the
construction of a system consisting of a coil of copper wire, robust magnets, and electrically
conductive screws linked to a power pack, we witnessed the generation of torque as the coil
interacted with the magnetic field, elucidating the core workings of the motor. The application of
the Fleming Left Hand Rule allowed us to gain insights into the directions of mechanical force,
current flow, and the magnetic field within the motor. Furthermore, we delved into the significance
of rectifiers, encompassing both half-wave and full-wave rectifiers, in the conversion of alternating
current into direct current. In summary, our project significantly enriched our comprehension of DC
motors, their operational principles, and their vital role across a spectrum of applications.

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 CONCLUSION

To sum up, our project focusing on the construction and functionality of DC motors has furnished
us with a comprehensive understanding of these vital electro-mechanical devices. We've delved into
the core components, including the copper wire coil, magnets, and rectifiers, and their collaborative
role in generating torque and converting alternating current into direct current. Employing the
Fleming Left Hand Rule has further illuminated the fundamental principles guiding the operation of
DC motors. This endeavor has not only deepened our grasp of DC motor technology but also
underscored their enduring importance across diverse industries, where precise control and
reliability are paramount. In the context of advancing power electronics and sustainable energy
solutions, DC motors continue to be pivotal contributors to our ever-evolving technological
landscape.

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 REFERENCE

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_motor
• Principle of physics
• pioneer physics practical book
• https://www.yourelectricalguide.com/2017/09/construction-of-dc-motor-machine.html?
expand_article=1
• https://www.tutorialspoint.com/construction-and-working-principle-of-dc-motorshttps://
www.tutorialspoint.com/construction-and-working-principle-of-dc-motors
• https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/torque-angular-momentum/torque-tutorial/a/
torque
• https://youtu.be/m9zJfyS4eKY

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