Week 5

Week 5

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 permanent magnets using a slider/threaded device to change the size of the air gap.

Accomplishments from Previous Week

·        We have run multiple simulations using the Vizimag  software and have determined that we can achieve a magnetic field strength of 0 – 3 Telsas. This simulation was conducted using 1.48 Tesla permanent magnets and a channeling design.

·        Obtained a goal Telsa value of 0-2. We have decided if we can go higher we will. The system is meant to be adjustable.

Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.

1. Compose final BOM = Michael and Thomas

2. Research saturation flux of material = James, Michael, and Phil

3. 3D model the magnetic flux path using Solidworks software = James and Sam

4. Order low risk components on BOM = Phil

5. Talk to Tom about threading iron = Phil

Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments

·        “I’ve done some more reading and it looks like the magnetic field strengths used in similar experiments were either in the 1 to 2 range or the 10 range. There were no Tesla values in-between those two values” – Michael Porter (2-2-12)

Actions taken: We have designed several more design catering to the new Tesla value of 2. With the ability to adjust the tesla values we have agreed with Michael as well that we will try to shoot for a larger field strength in the event that he would want to have a larger field strength.

·        “I like the slider and permanent magnet design. It seems simpler. In regards to the iron core sliding along each other, maybe you can look into ferromagnetic coils/ribbons that are flexible and can conduct the flux. This could resolve the issue of having the iron slide about each other as opposed to one piece.

Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments

• “In your simulations try changing the size of the magnets” – Dr. Delson (2-1-2012)

Actions taken: We have tried altering the sizes of the magnets and found that the thickness does not change the strength of the magnets. However, changing the cross-sectional area and channeling it to a smaller area would increase the field strength.

Risks and Areas of Concern

·        We have obtained a goal of achieving 2 Tesla field strength. Now that we have decided to use permanent magnets we will need to use a linear slider or thread design to change width of the air gap. However, the flux path needs to be contained within an iron core. With the incorporation of a linear slider or thread, we have concerns with the iron contacts and the ability to conduct the flux path

·        Our Vizimag simulation failed to take into account the magnetic saturation of the material. Therefore we may need to find another material to use as the core (one with higher saturation). The saturation of iron was found to be 1.6 to possibly 2.0 Teslas.

Milestones

• Have the design solution set by the end of 5th week (this week) This is our highest risk area and we want to make sure we can obtain a field strength of 0-2 Teslas.

• Parts list compiled. Ordering the low risk components such as stepper motor, hall effect sensors, and Arduino board. (end of 5th week)

• Begin machining the iron core for testing purposes. (6th -7th week). This will allow us to test the hall effect sensors and determine our issue with magnetic saturation.

• Have remaining components arrive and continue testing the apparatus (7th-8th week)

• Test device and create more samples (7th week–end)

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) = ________

• Circuit boards (2x) = _______

• Remaining budget = ______

Progress on Report and Webpage

• Website has been updated with any progress made by the team

• Presentation has been uploaded to website for sponsor scrutiny

• Changes are being made to the website in preparation for the Friday midnight deadline