PSN-L Email List Message

Subject: Re: Graphite Levitation Devices
From: meredithlamb meredithlamb@.............
Date: Mon, 06 Jan 2003 23:41:54 -0700


Hi Jim,

Thanks for the reference to the excellent illustrated pictures,
text and references of the Adobe PDF article; "Small Inexpensive
Diamagnetic Levitation Apparatus", at:

http://www.aapt.org/tpt/pdf/dec01/apparatus_dec01.pdf

It reminds me of the same type of mechanisms I used some
time back; even down to the same general hardware.  The
current effort of several individuals is with levitating certain
varieties of graphite as the mass itself; a dramatic switch in the
roles of the basic material in the article above.  Levitating magnets
just presents too much susceptibility to magnetic "noise", for much
useful seismometer utilization.  Using levitated graphite as a recording

working seimometer has already been done by David Lamb and
James Spottiswoode.

There is more examples, text, and pictures of this approach on
John Lahr's very extensive and educational website, for those
interested.   See:

http://www.jjlahr.com/science/physics/maglev/seismo/index.html

Thanks for the best wishes!  Its been a rather "unknown", but
via the individual personal findings and discoveries of the fine
people involved, the exploration challenge is more fun than work.

Take care, Meredith


Connie and Jim Lehman wrote:

> Thanks Meredith for the summary of efforts at applying diamagnetic
> levitation techniques to seismic sensor possibilities.    I first saw
> a demonstration of diamagnetic levitation several summers ago in a
> Physics meeting.  Later the details of that demonstration was
> published in the Dec. 2001, The Physics Teacher.  We promptly built
> one from the recommended design, and were pleased at the ease of
> adjustment to achieve levitation.    To go from a simple demonstration
> to a stable seismic sensor is a challenge your summary addresses.  I
> am still digesting the breadth of the article.  Best wishes to all
> working on this
> quest..
> Jim Lehman



Hi Jim,

Thanks for the reference to the excellent illustrated pictures,
text and references of the Adobe PDF article; "Small Inexpensive
Diamagnetic Levitation Apparatus", at:

http://www.aapt.org/tpt/pdf/dec01/apparatus_dec01.pdf

It reminds me of the same type of mechanisms I used some
time back; even down to the same general hardware.  The
current effort of several individuals is with levitating certain
varieties of graphite as the mass itself; a dramatic switch in the
roles of the basic material in the article above.  Levitating magnets
just presents too much susceptibility to magnetic "noise", for much
useful seismometer utilization.  Using levitated graphite as a recording
working seimometer has already been done by David Lamb and
James Spottiswoode.

There is more examples, text, and pictures of this approach on
John Lahr's very extensive and educational website, for those
interested.   See:

http://www.jjlahr.com/science/physics/maglev/seismo/index.html

Thanks for the best wishes!  Its been a rather "unknown", but
via the individual personal findings and discoveries of the fine
people involved, the exploration challenge is more fun than work.

Take care, Meredith
 

Connie and Jim Lehman wrote:

Thanks Meredith for the summary of efforts at applying diamagnetic levitation techniques to seismic sensor possibilities.    I first saw a demonstration of diamagnetic levitation several summers ago in a Physics meeting.  Later the details of that demonstration was published in the Dec. 2001, The Physics Teacher.  We promptly built one from the recommended design, and were pleased at the ease of adjustment to achieve levitation.    To go from a simple demonstration to a stable seismic sensor is a challenge your summary addresses.  I am still digesting the breadth of the article.  Best wishes to all working on this quest..                                                                                    Jim Lehman

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