Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Preliminary designs and CAD drawings have been drawn up. Found a source for metal and stepper motor. Preliminary experiments involving adding iron filings into "slurry" solution have proven that particles with high aspect ratio are capable of aligning as a result of being exposed to a magnetic field.
Utilizing a magnetic field simulation software called Vizimag, we have modeled magnetic field lines of two design solutions and have decided on pursuing
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Preliminary experiments dealing with exposing freeze-casting samples containing iron powder/filings
Order for Hall-effect sensors was put through but was not placed.
Successfully built a working electromagnet and calculated its theoretical field strength. (Waiting on sensors to verify theoretical values)
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Receive ordered Hall-effect sensors and verify theoretical field strength values = Michael
Order iron core material for electromagnet construction = Phil and James
Tweak electromagnet variables to achieve different field strengths using Vizimag software = Thomas and Sam
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
· “We want you to define a specific goal or measure of success for your project. It would be nice to see helical structures, but because this is a new field, there are no guarantees of this” – Professor McKittrick (1-19-12)
- We have decided that a successful project outcome would be that our device can rotate a magnetic field, have the ability to adjust magnetic field strength, and align dielectric particles within material sample.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
“I want to see theoretical values for electromagnet strength using equations” – Dr. Delson (1-18-12)
“Use magnetic wire and wrap the coils around a PVC pipe. Make note of the number of coils and see if sensor readings match those of the prediction” – Dr. Delson (1-18-12)
Actions taken:
- Wrapping magnetic wire around a PVC pipe did not follow the normal conventions of making an electromagnet. Instead two cores of ferrous material were wound with magnetic wire.
- Number of coils and other factors contributing to electromagnet design were noted and theoretical magnetic field strength values were calculated. Awaiting arrival of Hall-effect sensors to compare theoretical and experimental values.
Risks and Areas of Concern
· After calculating field strength values, it was observed that large amounts of current would be required to achieve field strength values of 0.2-1.5 Teslas. As a result of so much current draw, we are concerned with heat generation by the wire coils.
· We have set control/set attributes to the electromagnet designs modeled using the Vizimag software. However, we are not sure of proper values that would suit our needs for the project.
· Hand winding hundreds of coils could prove to be a very tedious task (possibly use a lather to help speed up the process)
Resources or Information Required but not Available
N/A
Schedule
Upcoming milestone is to receive the Hall-effect sensors and begin testing homemade electromagnets against the Hall-effect sensor.
Find the maximum magnetic field necessary to align dielectric particles for various materials and double the field strength.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Total Budget is $3000
Spent $40 on iron filings
Spent $20 on Hall-effect sensors
Magnetic Wire (2x 3-pack = _______
Remaining budget = $2940
Progress on Report and Webpage
Website has been updated with any progress made by the team