Naked Science Forum
On the Lighter Side => Science Experiments => Topic started by: Going2try on 25/11/2014 03:28:41
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I'm new to the forum and am not sure if this question has ever been addressed . I need to build a tube electromagnet 2" x 1' for a small project I'm doing. I need to know what size wire I will need to use to wind it with, I want the magnetic charge to be quick, powerful and be constant so the wire will need to be able to handle the current for a long period of time, I also need to know what type of material to use for the tube, can I use stainless Steel,conduit or other non magnetic material or will that not work for this application, any information would be greatly appreciated.
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Quicker and cheaper to buy something already containing one ...
http://www.greenweld.co.uk/acatalog/Shop_Solenoids_237.html
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-OMRON-MY2NJ-J-MY2N-MY2-DC-12V-8PIN-Power-Relay-Coil-DPDT-5A-HH52P-L-/161317570675
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I was imagining something more like the Shake Flashlights (http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Light-Shake-Flashlight/dp/B000BPJ262) which turn out to not be quite as effective as advertised.
There are a lot of variables. Are you using your tube magnet in conjunction with a permanent magnet? How powerful? What are you making? Oh, and your target voltage/amperage?
Your core material may depend on whether you choose to periodically reverse the magnetic field (AC), or if it will always be the same direction of field (DC)
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If you want a really fast risetime, don't use a conductive former. Plastic conduit or drainpipe is excellent. I have made demonstration solenoids with single-strand 0.5 mm varnished copper wire - it holds its shape better than regular plastic-covered wire.
But you really need to start with a specification: what field strength do you want? Do you have the skill to wind a multi-layer solenoid, or just a single coil? What power supply do you have available? It's an interesting balancing act between risetime (the fewer turns, the faster the risetime), current capacity (fewer turns = more current for the same field, but you will need thicker wire to carry the current), and heat dissipation (pulsed or continuous field?)