I'm trying to build a magnetic levitation device with a 3" gap is such a large gap for levitation possible?

Question

I plan on using a large rare earth magnet, bismuth and a small ring rare earth magnet. The trick I'm trying is to levitate items attached to the levitating magnet with a 3 inch gap. Will a pyramid stack with a spread out field work or will one large Neodymium disc magnet work better. If I build the pyramid design by gluing a group of small Neodymium magnets, will they all need to be facing the same pole? Thanks to all who read this and to those who reply.

Answer 1

Anything's possible, it just depends on how powerful your magnets are and how much weight you want to levitate.

Answer 2

Hi. The magnetic field spreads out rather quickly so three inches may be possible, but you are weight limited. If you levitate a small magnet with the poles reversed it may work.

Answer 3

Earnshaw's theorem proves that no combination of permanent magnets and ferromagnetic materials (like iron) can result in stable static magnetic levitation. You'd have to keep something spinning or otherwise moving, use a strongly diamagnetic material (generally a superconductor or pyrolytic graphite unless field is really high), or install a stabilizing feedback or high frequency circuit with electromagnets.

Answer 4

its very possible if made right. i am not sure on the specs and stuff though. BTW with powerful enough magnets you can levitate anything even a human body. I have seen it done with a frog.

Answer 5

definite. it is even utilized in trains immediately. they're stated as magazine lev trains or magnetic levitation trains. They use magnets with comparable polarity dealing with one yet another to levitate, and that they use some style of propulsion equipment, uncertain what it is nonetheless.