User:Marcelo21/enes100/Project2

Tasking
Re-wrap the boards in foil.


 * Re-wrapped the boards without changing the way they were wrapped just using new foil.

Next Steps

 * Compare new wrapped boards to old ones: visual difference of bounce of balls, the voltage difference.

Tasking
Document how the new Styrofoam balls fully wrapped in foil react to static.

Materials

 * PVC pipe
 * Silk cloth
 * Balls

The PVC pipes were charged with static electricity by rubbing them with the silk cloth. The balls were attracted to the PVC pipe and some where later pushed away while others stayed "glued" to the pipe. When I used two PVC pipes next to each other and the balls in the middle they we attracted to one PVC pipes and then seemed to "push away" from it towards the other. This means the new balls react to the static the way they are suppose to in the box and they are not the cause of failure to get it to work.

Week 4 Narrative
Tasking: Get system operational.

The system now functions how it was designed to function. The wimshurst machine makes the balls inside the box bounce between the plates. By making it work I came up with guidelines that would aid future teams that work on this project. To get it to function properly:
 * Use the bigger wumshurst machine because the smaller one does not create enough static (if you can find other means of creating static you will avoid many problems)
 * The big wimshurst machine must be jump-started with a charged PVC pipe by rubbing it with a silk rag. Hold the charged PVC pipe on the opposite side of one of the neutralization rods which are the diagonal rods wrapped in foil.
 * Wimshurst machine: make sure the conduction rods (horizontal rods) and the neutralization rods (diagonal rods) that pick up the charge are as close to the disks as they can be without making contact.
 * Make sure the wimshurst machine is clean, if not clean it.
 * When turning the handle on the wimshurst machine turn it COUNTER-CLOCKWISE, this is important because it does matter.
 * Make sure the balls in the box contain Styrofoam inside and are completely and tightly wrapped in foil, this will make them better react to the static. You can test this by using a charging a PVC pipe and getting it close to the ball, if it is attracted to it then it is well made.
 * Do not remove the plexiglass with foil and pink electric tape from the bottom of the box, if you do it will cause the balls not to bounce.

Next Steps

 * Begin working on Professor Edelen's grip strength project.