Magnetic Levitation Toy

4 February 2016

I did some experiments and it was no-go. It seems that double negative gives a positive in magnetism too!
Oh well. Then I checked the internet and it seems that somebody like Earnshaw/Crankshaw proved that it is not going to be possible a long time ago, and the only way possible is by spinning it or something even more difficult.

3 February 2016

I have 100 pieces of 3mm dia magnets from Banggood. There's so many that I can do some magnetic levitation display model.

Material and tools:

1. Card, paper, foam, plastic tubes
2. Tape, glue
3. 5 Strong magnets
4. Ruler, pencil, markers, compass, scissors, cutters, cutting mat

Arrangement and orientation of magnets:

1. Thin base with 4 magnets underneath. 3 magnets with the same pole upwards in an equilateral triangle manner; not too wide apart less the magnetic force is too weak. 1 central magnet with the different pole upwards.
2. A light model with a magnet at the centre of gravity; the upward pole shall be similar to the central base magnet, therefore opposing the group of 3 magnets.

How it works:

• The model is placed onto the repulsive and attracting magnetic base.
• The 3 base magnets repels the magnet of the model.
• The single central magnet at the base is attracted to the magnet of the model.
• The magnetic forces in play is haped like a bowl; the model will stabilise at the central base magnet.
• Any disturbance to the levitated model will have the model swinging about.
• So long as the model does not swing outside the repelling base magnets, the model will return to its state of equilibrium.
• The central magnet at the base is not strictly required if the magnetic forces are arranged just right (strength of magnets and distance between magnets).

Trimming and troubleshooting:

• The model must be light enough for the magnetic forces. Make new model or strenghten the model's magnet with additional magnets.
• If magnetic forces at play are weak, strenghten the repelling base magnets with additional magnets or the model's magnet.
• If the stabilising force is too weak, strengthen the central base magnets with additional magnets.
• If the stabilising force is too strong, spread the repelling base magnets further apart.
• If the model slips out between the repelling base magnets, add intermediate magnet between the 2 adjacent magnets to block the passage.