Electrodynamic levitation

Abstract

Magnetic levitation has been a topic of interest since the 19th century electromagnetism boom, and still is today. There are many ways to achieve a controllable lift using various electromagnetic methods. Up to a a couple of years ago the idea of having a floating rideable personal "hoverboard" was a Sci-Fi dream, immortalized by the 1989 movie "Back to the Future Part II". In November of 2014 a company from California, U.S.A introduced a rideable floating 'Hoverboard' using maglev technology as a "Kickstarter" project. Following an overview of various magnetic levitation technologies, this work focuses solely on electrodynamic levitation. Computer simulations and experimental measurements were performed for two methods, using AC induction from a coil and using a system of rotating permanent magnets similar to that used in the Hoverboard. Levitation was demonstrated using both systems.