PANIMALAR ENGINEERING COLLEGE

JAISAKTHI EDUCATIONAL TRUST

BANGALORE TRUNK ROAD,VARADHARAJAPURAM
NAZARETHPET, POONAMALLEE, CHENNAI-600 123

ELECTRONICS AND
COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

HIGH SPEED MAGNETS

A MINI PROJECT REPORT

SUBMITTED BY

JEEVANANTHAM C 211422106175
KAVIN SELVAN 211422106
SARAN KUMAR S 211422106
SURIYA 211422106291
 TABLE OF CONTENT
S.NO CONTENT PG.NO
1. ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION
3. COMPONENTS REQUIRED
4. WORKING MODULE
5. WORKING MODEL
6. APPLICATIONS
7. CONCLUSION
 ABSTRACT
In the expansive domain of electromagnetism, the allure of magnetic levitation, or
"maglev," has perennially captivated the curiosity of scientists, engineers, and
enthusiasts. Our mini project delves deep into the magnetic levitation universe,
with a specific focus on its high-speed applications. This endeavor intricately
weaves together theoretical foundations, practical implementation, and the vast
potential use cases. Magnetic levitation, the very essence of this technological
marvel, finds its roots in the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and
superconductivity. By orchestrating magnetic repulsion forces between potent
electromagnets and magnetically receptive objects, maglev achieves a state of
suspension, elevating and propelling entities at breathtaking velocities. High-speed
magnetic levitation, the zenith of this exploration, leverages the technology's
ultimate capabilities. It is marked by superconducting materials cooled to
cryogenic temperatures, erasing electrical resistance and enabling the creation of
magnetic fields of unprecedented magnitude. Objects hover and glide without
contact with surfaces, ensuring a smooth, frictionless journey. The spectrum of
maglev applications is nothing short of transformative. Our discourse encompasses
transportation, where maglev trains lead a revolution in rail travel, offering a future
where speed and efficiency seamlessly converge. It extends to industrial domains,
where materials are propelled with minimal wear and tear, and to laboratories,
transforming medical research.

Furthermore, it reaches the outer realms of space,

providing novel propulsion in a vacuum, and permeates the realm of entertainment,
shaping futuristic amusement experiences. Our mini project culminates in an
unveiling, illuminating the enchanting prospects of high-speed magnetic levitation,
a journey into the extraordinary. As we unearth the theoretical, practical, and real-
world facets of this technology, we immerse ourselves in a world where the
boundaries of gravity are transcended. The amalgamation of superconducting
materials and potent magnetic fields in high-speed maglev is steering a revolution
across transportation, industry, research, and entertainment domains. It stands as a
testament to human ingenuity and the ceaseless quest to break free from the
terrestrial bonds of the physical world.
 INTRODUCTION

The world of electromagnetism is a captivating realm where the laws of physics

and engineering converge, often challenging our preconceptions about what's
possible. Within this enigmatic domain, magnetic levitation, colloquially known as
"maglev," emerges as a paradigm-shifting innovation, allowing objects to defy the
inexorable pull of gravity. This project sets out to embark on a thrilling exploration
of high-speed magnetic levitation, where the art of harnessing electromagnetic
forces and superconductivity coalesces, promising transformative applications in
transportation, industry, and beyond.

At the core of magnetic levitation lies a delicate interplay of

fundamental electromagnetic principles and the extraordinary properties of
superconductors. The cornerstone of this technology is the concept of magnetic
repulsion, a fundamental consequence of electromagnetic forces. When like
magnetic poles face each other, they create an innate force, pushing objects apart.
This force is meticulously controlled through the deployment of powerful
electromagnets, orchestrating a mesmerizing suspension of objects in defiance of
gravity. High-speed magnetic levitation extends this concept by incorporating
superconducting materials. Superconductors, when cooled to cryogenic
temperatures, exhibit a remarkable characteristic—zero electrical resistance. This
property paves the way for the generation of magnetic fields with unprecedented
strength, fostering levitation without any need for physical contact with surfaces.

The implementation of high-speed magnetic levitation is

intricately interwoven with a specialized selection of materials and components. At
its heart, this system relies on the utilization of superconductors. Notable examples
include yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) and niobium-tin (Nb3Sn). To unlock
their superconducting potential, superconductors must undergo cooling to near-
absolute zero temperatures, a pivotal transition that eradicates electrical resistance.
Central to the operation of magnetic levitation systems are potent electromagnets.
These electromagnets comprise coils of superconducting wire, serving as the
backbone of the magnetic fields that interact with the superconductor to achieve
levitation. Additionally, a suite of sensors, sophisticated control systems, and a
power supply orchestrate the precise modulation of magnetic forces and the
positioning of the levitated object. The operational sequence of high-speed
magnetic levitation is a finely choreographed ballet between superconductors and
electromagnets. At a high-level, the process unfolds as follows:

1. Cooling the Superconductors: The superconductors are subjected to cryogenic

cooling, inducing their transition into the superconducting state by eliminating
electrical resistance.

2. Generating Intense Magnetic Fields: The electromagnets flex their muscle,

producing robust magnetic fields that extend towards the superconductor. These
fields set the stage for the magnetic repulsion essential for levitation.

3. Levitation: As the superconductor approaches the potent electromagnet,

magnetic repulsion comes into play, elevating the superconductor into a state of
suspension. Remarkably, this state is characterized by the absence of any physical
contact between the superconductor and any surfaces.

4. Effortless Propulsion: Precise modulation of the magnetic fields enables the

movement of the levitated object along the path delineated by the electromagnet.
The absence of friction ensures a smooth, efficient journey.
 COMPONENTS REQUIRED

- Two neodymium magnets (3/4-inch diameter)

- Two aluminum tubes (1 inch diameter, 6 inches long)

- Two wooden blocks (4 x 4 x 2 inches)

- An AC/DC motor (12 volts, 5000 RPM)

- A power supply (12 volts)

- A switch

- Some wires

- A drill

- A hammer

- A lathe

- A ruler

- A pencil
 WORKING MODULE
1. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP CIRCUIT

1. Preparation of Wooden Blocks:

- Begin by marking the center of each wooden block with a pencil.

- Drill a hole through the marked center on each wooden block. These holes will
be used to hold the aluminum tubes in place.

2. Aluminum Tube Assembly:

- Hammer an aluminum plug into one end of each aluminum tube. This plug will
act as a stopper to prevent the neodymium magnets from sliding off.

- Create a shaft-tip on the other end of the aluminum tube using a lathe. This tip
will serve as the bearing surface for the neodymium magnets.

3. Securing Aluminum Tubes:

- Insert the shaft-tip of each aluminum tube into the hole of the wooden blocks.
Ensure a snug fit.

- Use a glue gun to secure the aluminum tubes in place. This step is crucial to
maintain stability during the experiment.

4. Motor Attachment:

- Mount the 12-volt AC/DC motor to one of the wooden blocks. Position it so
that the motor's output shaft is aligned with the gap between the wooden blocks.

5. Electrical Connections:

- Connect the motor to the 12-volt power supply. Ensure proper polarity .Use
wires to connect the motor to a switch, allowing you to control the power supply to
the motor.
2.EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:

1. Switching On the Motor:

- Turn on the switch to activate the motor. As the motor starts rotating, it
transfers its kinetic energy to the setup.

2. Observation of Magnet Motion:

- The neodymium magnets, stacked on top of each other, are placed on one of the
aluminum tubes.

- Due to the motor's rotation, the aluminum tube and magnets begin to spin.

3. Controlled Experiments:

- You can vary the voltage supplied to the motor using the power supply to
control the speed of rotation. This will allow you to examine the effects of
rotational speed on the behavior of the magnets.
4. Magnetic Interactions:

- Observe and record the behavior of the spinning magnets. You may notice
several interesting phenomena:

- Magnetic Repulsion and Attraction: Depending on the orientation of the

magnets, you may observe magnetic repulsion (pushing away) or attraction
(pulling together) between the magnets.

- Precession: When the magnets spin at high speeds, they can exhibit a
precession motion, which is the tendency of a spinning object's axis to slowly
change direction.

- Wobble and Oscillation: Variations in the setup or alignment of magnets may

lead to wobbling or oscillation behavior.

- Noise and Vibrations: High-speed spinning magnets can produce audible noise
and vibrations due to the rapid changes in the magnetic field.

5. Adjustments and Repeats:

- Experiment with different distances and orientations of the magnets to explore

how these factors affect their behavior when in motion.

- Repeat the experiments at various motor speeds and document your

observations.
3. SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

1. Magnetism: Neodymium magnets are known for their strong magnetic

properties. The setup provides a practical way to observe how magnetic
forces act on one another when magnets are set into motion.

2. Rotational Dynamics: The spinning motion of the magnets

demonstrates principles of rotational dynamics, including angular
momentum, precession, and the conservation of angular momentum.

3. Controlled Experiments: By varying the speed of the motor and the

arrangement of the magnets, you can study the impact of different
variables on the system. This is a fundamental aspect of scientific
experimentation.

4. Energy Transfer: The setup highlights how energy is transferred from

the motor to the spinning magnets. You can calculate and analyze this
energy transfer and its efficiency.

5. Real-World Application: Understanding the behavior of high-speed

magnets has practical applications, such as in electric motors, generators,
and magnetic levitation (Maglev) systems.
DIAGRAMS AND MODEL
 APPLICATIONS
1. Electric Motors and Generators: Understanding the behavior of high-speed
magnets is crucial in the design and operation of electric motors and generators.
These devices rely on the interaction between magnetic fields to generate
mechanical motion (in motors) or electrical power (in generators). Insights gained
from your project can be directly applied to improve the efficiency and
performance of such systems.

2. Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) Systems: High-speed magnets play a pivotal

role in Maglev transportation systems. In Maglev trains, for instance, powerful
magnets are used to create magnetic levitation, allowing the train to glide above
the tracks without friction. Your project provides fundamental knowledge about
magnet behavior that can contribute to the development of more efficient and
stable Maglev systems.

3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): In the medical field, MRI machines

utilize strong magnetic fields to generate detailed images of the human body.
Understanding the principles of magnetism and magnetic interactions, as
demonstrated in your project, is fundamental to the design and operation of MRI
systems, contributing to improved diagnostics and healthcare.

4. Magnetic Bearings: High-speed magnets are employed in magnetic bearings

used in various industrial applications, including turbomachinery and rotating
equipment. Your project's insights into magnet behavior can help in optimizing
magnetic bearing systems for enhanced stability and performance.
 CONCLUSION

Our journey through the high-speed magnets mini-project has been an exciting
exploration of magnetism, rotational dynamics, energy transfer, and controlled
experiments. This hands-on endeavor has illuminated the captivating world of
high-speed neodymium magnets, uncovering various principles and phenomena.
Beyond magnetism, our project ventured into the realm of rotational dynamics.
The spinning motion of the neodymium magnets introduced us to the concept of
precession. This phenomenon, where the axis of a spinning object slowly shifts,
demonstrated the conservation of angular momentum and how it influences the
behavior of rotating objects. Controlling the speed of the motor enabled us to
investigate how rotational speed impacts the dynamics of the magnets, adding a
valuable layer of insight. The project adhered to the scientific principle of
controlled experiments. We meticulously manipulated variables, including motor
speed and magnet orientation, to understand their effects on the system. This
systematic approach unveiled the intricate tapestry of outcomes that even minor
adjustments could bring, imparting an appreciation for the subtleties of
experimentation and data analysis.

Energy transfer, a fundamental scientific concept, was also explored. As the

motor powered the spinning magnets, we delved into the process of energy
transmission from one component to another. Understanding this process is pivotal
not only for scientific comprehension but also for practical applications. High-
speed magnets find relevance in technologies like electric motors, generators, and
magnetic levitation systems such as Maglev trains. Our project offered a tangible
glimpse into how energy transfer plays a pivotal role in these real-world
applications. This project was more than just an experiment; it was an educational
experience that kindled curiosity and a deeper connection with science. It
transformed abstract concepts into tangible realities and showcased the marvels of
the physical world.
 REFERENCES
(1) High-Speed Magnets: Exploring Faraday's Law and Lenz's Law.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-
ideas/Phys_p097/physics/high-speed-magnets-faradays-law-lenzs-law.

(2) How Maglev Works Department of Energy and its uses in day today world
https://www.energy.gov/articles/how-maglev-works.

(3) Design and Performance of a High-Speed Permanent Magnet Generator with

.... https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8672946/.

(4) High School, Experiment with Magnets and Motors Science Projects.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-projects/experiment-
with-magnets-and-motors/high-school.

(5) Experiment with Permanent Magnets Science Projects.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/experiment-
with-permanent-magnets.