Hand powered Van de Graaff Generator

http://www.innovationview.com for VDG plans.
An electrostatics experience were paper strips are attached on top sphere of a homemade hand powered Van De Graaff machine and they raise up with the static electricity repulsion.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Van
• De
• Graaff
• graaf
• electrostatics
• vdg
• static
• electricity
• homemade

[AHW214]

While testing my van de graaff generator with a drill at 1200 rpm as the motor, I only got 1/2 cm sparks but I'm suppose to be getting 8 inch sparks. I think there are 3 reasons why this is happening:

Humidity

Brushes were accidentally rubbing on the belt while I did this

I grounded it with my body

If anyone knows how to make bigger sparks please tell me.

There is a video about my van de graaff on my channel.

[zakasilva]

If you are using correct materials, the more probable problem is humidity: try to brown hot air (from a hairdresser) over the belt and the rollers.

[AHW214]

I am making a van de graaff generator, how should I ground my bottom brush?

[zakasilva]

If the inferior part of your VDG is metallic or someway conductive connect the brush to the body (that is of course isolated from upper sphere). If not you need to connect a cable with the brush and an external metallic object (as a table leg).

[RimstarOrg]

Nice work. I always like it when you can do manual driven instead of motor.

[caiolagana]

good job

[anonysaced]

LOL this looks like some '50s "paranormal activity" footage

[NanoBetaGaming]

sweet cows

[goldencricket]

Neat-O. I want to build one now.

[scion171777]

could you make free plans at innovationView. because im living in the philippines. because the science fair is coming this week. thnx.