6/27/2021 How to Make a Miniature Linear Motor

How to Make a Model of a Maglev Train

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Updated April 24, 2017 By Grahame Turner

Most people who have played with magnets know that two opposite-pole magnets
will attract, while two like-pole magnets will push apart. For most applications of
magnets, people want them to stick together, but their ability to push apart has
bred a type of train: the Maglev. Maglev, or magnetic levitation, trains hover over a
magnetic track on a cushion formed by two magnets opposing each other, which
significantly reduces friction. To make a model of a Maglev train, you need lots of
magnets.

Cut a length of track to 2 feet-by 3 inches wide using your balsa wood or
cardboard.

Build walls of the track from the excess material. If you are using Balsa wood, cut
four 1-1/2-inch wide strips to run along the 2-foot length of the track, and glue
pairs of strips together. If using cardboard, cut 2-foot-by-3-inch strips and fold
them along the middle.

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Glue the walls of the track onto the track so they are between 2-1/2 and 2-1/4
inches apart along the entire length of the track. The walls should be 90 degrees
from the track.

Glue 12 of the magnets in a row along the center of the track. Ensure that all of
the poles on these magnets are pointing the same directions. If you have the north
side of the first magnet pointing upward, be sure that all of the magnets are north
side up. Leave the track to dry overnight.

Glue two magnets to your block of wood. Verify that the poles pointing upward on
the block are the same as the poles pointing upward on your track. If your track is
north side up, glue the magnets so the north side faces outward and the south side
sticks to the wood block. Leave your block to dry overnight.

Place your wooden block, or train, in the track. The magnet should hover over the
magnets on the track, guided by the rails on the sides. Push the train gently to
send it floating toward the ends of the track.

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How to Make a Miniature Linear Motor

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Updated April 25, 2017 By Carlos Mano

A linear motor works on the same principles as a regular motor -- using electricity
and magnetism to produce physical movement. The big difference is that a linear
motor propels something in a straight line instead or rotating a shaft. Linear
motors are used to propel vehicles like trains, monorails and amusement park
rides that run along a rail. When linear motors are used like guns to propel an
object, they are called linear accelerators. Linear motors have many proposed
future uses and currently they make interesting science fair projects.

Build a track. Under the track are a set of magnets placed so the poles that are
facing up alternate between North (N) and South (S). As the vehicle runs along the
track it will encounter N and S poles alternately. The magnets under the track will
be driving the vehicle. Along the track there will be two wires on the surface that
the vehicle runs on. Between each magnet, the wires drop down beneath the track
and cross over -- so the wire that was on the left track is now on the right track

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and vice versa. This crossing over is going to make the electromagnet in the
vehicle change polarity as it runs along the track. Attach the wires at the
beginning of the track to the poles of the battery.

Make the vehicle that will run on the track. The only essential component of the
vehicle is the electromagnet. You can buy these in any hobby shop. If you cannot
find one that fits your vehicle, you can make one by wrapping a few feet of
enameled copper wire around an iron core. You should try to get the end of the
electromagnet as close to the under-track magnets as possible. The core of the
electromagnet can protrude beyond the bottom of the vehicle. One wire of the
electromagnet should attach to the left side of the vehicle -- so it will be in
electrical contact with the wire on the left side of the track. The other wire of the
electromagnet should attach to the right side of the vehicle -- so it will be in
electrical contact with the wire on right side of the track.

Test your linear motor and fine tune it for better performance. The electromagnet
should switch polarity when it is over the magnet that will repel it, then the
forward motion will push it toward the next magnet which will attract it while the
previous magnet repels it. Fine tuning for performance involves experimenting
with the distance between magnets and the places where the wires cross over.

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How To Make a Teepee From PVC Pipe

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Updated April 24, 2017 By Brynne Chandler

Teepees were a common sight on the American plains, back in the days when the
buffalo roamed. Compact, efficient and portable, teepees were a perfect home for
nomadic people. Today, they are a symbol of adventure and of a deep bond with
nature. Unfortunately, nature isn’t always cooperative, and finding enough long,
natural wood poles to make a teepee is not possible. PVC pipe is a good
alternative because it is light, sturdy and inexpensive. Making a backyard PVC
teepee is not difficult, but if it is over about 4 feet tall, you will need a helper.

Figure out how tall and wide your teepee will be. Make sure you get a piece of
fabric that will cover it. Get a lighter, waterproof fabric like cotton duck or
parachute silk if this is your first teepee, because it is easier to work with, and less
frustrating, than heavy canvas.

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Use the hacksaw to cut your PVC pipes so that they are at least 2 feet longer than
the height of your teepee. The shorter your teepee is, the fewer pipes you will
need to support it, but you should have a minimum of five.

Tie three PVC pipes together with clothesline cord, 2 feet in from one end. Stand
the resulting tripod up, and spread out the three poles so that it stands on its own.

Lean the rest of your poles up against the first three, spacing them evenly but
leaving a wider gap for the door opening. Weave the clothesline cord in and out of
all of the poles, attaching them together, 2 feet down from the top of the
framework.

Measure one of the poles from 6 inches above the clothesline cord down to the
ground. Cut a length of clothesline to fit this measurement.

Fold your fabric in half lengthwise, so the top and bottom are open. Have your
helper hold one end of the length of clothesline you just cut at the top corner of
the fold. Hold the other end at the bottom corner of the fold, with the marker at
its tip. Sweep the clothesline and marker out to the open corner of the fabric,
drawing a line.

Cut along this arced line. Open the fabric, and you should have a triangular shape
with a rounded bottom. Drape the fabric over the teepee framework. Gather the
top like a paper bag and secure it with clothesline.

Optional: Make marks on the inside of the fabric at the top, center and bottom of
every other pole. Before you tie the top of the teepee fabric closed around the
frame, use a sewing machine or fabric glue to attach grosgrain ribbon to the
marks, so that you can secure the fabric to the framework.

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