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Electromagnetic Rail Motor (ERM) |
Category: Sustainable Technology |
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Tim Cormier
None
Beavercreek, OH US
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Page Views: 758
Votes: 7
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Entered: 07/16/2008
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It is difficult to categorize the Electromagnetic Rail Motor (ERM) due to the fact that it can fit into nearly every category here. The ERM can be made to power anything from aircraft, cars, industry, to artificial human limbs and fingers. The ERM is based off the modern rail gun and makes use of its simplicity in design and extreme efficiencies. By taking the two rails and forming a ring, I am able to create a continues rotational force that is easily managed and controlled. The rails will have to have a break in them so as to allow the armature to reconnect to the rails and to allow a second armature (possibly 3 or more)to also accelerate efficiently. The break in the rails will optimize current distribution and reduce the chance of eddying. The speed of rotation can be directly controlled by adjusting the voltage, similar to a gas peddle allowing only so much gas to be put into an internal combustion engine. When the motor starts, a small electric starter (not much different from a car starter motor) will begin rotation so as to prevent any chance of the rails welding to the armature roller. Once the ERM powers up (a second or two after rotation begins), the motor rotation will accelerate very rapidly to its terminal speed (determined by voltage). The main rotational coupler (likely high strength aluminum) acts to both rotate the drive shaft and to hold on the two connecting blades. The blades (probably carbon fiber or some high strength non-conductive ceramic) will act as both rotational shafts and as propeller blades needed to help cool the motor during extremely high speeds. The blades connect to the roller holders (possibly aluminum again). The roller holders connect the blades to the contact roller and keep the roller in place. The contact rollers (tungsten or some type of copper alloy) will act as the armature and connect the two oppositely charged rails. The rails will be made out of a similar material as the contact roller, but need for strength and durability will be high. The rails (four in the motor shown with my entry) will provide the magnetic field and propel the armatures forward in a continues loop. The last major component, and one of the most important, is the rail housing. The rail housing will likely be made from carbon fiber or another non-conductive, high strength material. Not only does it need to provide a small gap between the rails, it must also hold the assembly together and keep the rails in place to counter the immense separation force. Many of the issues with rail guns will be eliminated with the new ERM. Because it requires much less but constant force, the extreme wear per shoot will not exist. Heat build up will be answered by slower velocities and a wind tunnel effect. The large contact area will ensure a strong magnetic field. Wish I could say more, but I hope you enjoy the ERM.
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Meet the Entrant, Tim Cormier
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Contact Email: cormier.4@wright.edu |
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Association: None |
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Profession: Engineer/Designer |
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Number of times entering contest previously: 0
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Design Tools:
Pencil and Paper
Image rendering software
Analysis software
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Software used:
SolidWorks
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Tim's favorite design tool:
SolidWorks because it allows me to create really detailed products much eaiser than previous tools. Additionally, it allows the user to use Cosmos, one of the best FEA software available.
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Tim's hobbies and activities:
Remodeling my house, cars, movies
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What role does Tim believe product design plays in creating a better future?
It not only plays a role, it is one of the sole reasons for a better future.
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