Magnetic Levitation: The Basics

(Not of the Superconducting or Similar Variety)

Diamagnetism: M. Faraday (1846)

Magnetic Levitation of:

Graphite: W. Braunbeck (1939)

Organic Materials: E. Beaugnon and R. Tournier (1991)

 

 

F º force acting on the body M º magnetic moment

B º external magnetic field M = (c /m o) (Volume) B

r º density of the material c º magnetic susceptibility

Force due to gravity: (mass) g = r (Volume) g

* Balances the magnetic force when material is

diamagnetic ( i.e. c < 0 ); and

 

 

(assuming ideal conditions along the z-direction of solenoid magnet)

H2O levitates at [B dB/dz] » 1400 T2/m

Graphite levitates at [B dB/dz] » 375 T2/m