Week 9
Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Magnet and frame design agreed upon and and CAD drawings have been drawn up. Found a source for metal and stepper motor.
Utilizing a magnetic field simulation software called Vizimag, we have modeled magnetic field lines of several design solutions and have decided on pursuing permanent magnets using a slider/threaded device to change the size of the air gap.
Machining of iron and steel components has been completed and magnetic device has been fully assembled.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
· Iron and steel pieces have been completely machined and assembly is completed except for flux distributors
· All ordered components have been received except for motor driver board
· Gaussmeter has been tested on the magnetic flux funnel and read a measured Tesla value of 0.3 T. (This is much lower than our predicted/ goal of 1 Tesla)
Goals for Next Week
Get stepper motor and LED/LCD screen operational and mounted onto the apparatus - Thomas
Cut acrylic motor mount and UI panel - Phil
Begin correlating Tesla values with separation of threaded iron blocks using calipers - James and Michael
Finish machining iron flux distributors – Sam
Have magnetic tested samples done by this weekend – Thomas, James, Michael, Michael Porter.
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
· “I’m fine with a 0.2 Tesla magnetic field strength. I only said 10 Teslas because I read it in a paper it was before I knew what a Tesla was. I’m not disappointed that you guys were unable to get a 1 Tesla magnet. I will be using magnetic coatings on particles anyways. It’s not worth the time and money to re-machine the C-pieces” – Michael Porter (3-6-2012)
Actions taken: We’ve decided to leave our apparatus as is and not redesign and machine the magnetic device. We are also planning on running tests with the new apparatus and have samples done by the weekend.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
· “Details on assembly was very little, but this is a very important, high risk, part of the project. I want you guys to write up an assembly summary with CAD models and email it Mike Morris.” (2-29-12) – Dr. Delson
Actions taken: We have already compiled an assembly procedure including CAD models and cleared it with both you and Mike Morris. Magnetic pieces have already been assembled with no injuries or setbacks. All safety measures were taken into account and documentation of the process was collected.
Risks and Areas of Concern
· Upon completion of the assembly of the magnetic device, we tested the magnetic field strength present in the air gap which read a value of 0.3 Tesla maximum. This is quite concerning because our simulations determined that we should be able to get a 1 Tesla field strength if not greater.
· We would like to determine the reason behind the lower Tesla value than modeled. One reason could be our incorrect magnetic saturation value for iron. We’ve been operating under the assumption that the saturation of iron occurs at 1.6. The second could be the cross-sectional area of the iron pieces concentrating the magnetic flux in the iron causing it to saturate before the flux can reach the air gap.
Milestones
Receive last ordered component (9th week)
Have stepper motor up and running (9th week)
Test device and create more samples (9th week–end)
Deliver completed apparatus (10th week)
Budget
Total spent = $736.45
Remaining budget = 3000 – 736.45 = $2263.55
Michael Porter Purchases = metallic powders = __________
Progress on Report and Webpage
Website has been updated with any progress made by the team
Changes are being made to the website accordingly