SIR Physics Investigation Abstract
ELECTROMAGNETIC PROPULSION IN TRANSPORTATION
Presenters:
Neil W. Halmagyi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506
Nicholas Harker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506
Wit Riewrangboonya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506
Advisor:
Ms. Laura Nickerson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506
Abstract:
Electromagnetism has, for over twenty years, been a possible method for public transportation. In our inquiry we take this a step further and research the feasibility of electromagnetic propulsion as a method for transportation in a frictionless environment. We have designed and built a magnetic propulsion system using NdFeB magnets. The goal is for the accelerator in this system to cause a significant difference between entrance and exit velocity of the accelerating object, such as a ball bearing. We have concluded from our data that magnetic propulsion has the potential to move an object a significant distance with little initial force. With our magnetic accelerator, we use the potential energy stored in a magnetic field. After conducting tests, we determined that after only one iteration, the velocity of the departing object is about 5 times greater than the initial velocity. This increases exponentially over successive iterations. We have yet to ascertain if there is a terminal velocity, but further investigations are pending. We are currently testing the system with a greater number of iterations and are varying the distances of the magnetic field in order to generate the maximum exit velocity.