Re: Twisting Magnetic Flux

After trying a number of ways to replicate AdminOnDuty's experiment, I finally succeeded! It actually works!

Here's a photo showing all the components: 3/4" cylinder magnet, large steel washer, 1/2" spherical magnet with 2 5mm x 1/2" neodymium ears, and 2 rectangular 1/4" x 1/2" magnets. The steel washer is used to redirect and reduce the field intensity of the 3/4" neo so the spinning ears don't fly down, attracted to it's surface (neos are much stronger than hematite). All this is set up on a steel patio table, holds things in place very nicely (works without table but needs to be held steady somehow). South magnetic poles are all pointing up.

http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll48/overconfident/Misc/?action=view&c...

I painted the top of one ear so you can follow the twisting and spinning easier. I also made a little twisting tool from a wooden dowel and a toothpick so you can easily see how far the ears twist. Nothing is obscured by my hands or fingers.

The surface of this washer is flat and has more friction than the glassy surface of AdminOnDuty's hematite magnet, so the spinning sphere tends to creep and move around a bit when it spins. Even so, I think this replication demonstrates the effect very nicely.




1) The first attempt is a little over 1/2 turn.

2) Second attempt is over a full turn.




Pay close attention, it's over with pretty quickly.

Of course this could all be faked, right? Do the experiment yourself and post your own video responses.

(#$%^ pocket camera only does 11 second videos)

OC

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• magnetic
• field

[WhipMag]

I can get over 1.5 turns before it shears.

[frankensteinmoneymac]

I'm not sure I'm comprehending what this experiment is trying to prove, or why it's of importance.....Could you perhaps expound on that a bit? Thanks.

[AdminOnDuty]

Kewl! So if you wind yours more than that does it shear?