User:Swaters3452/enes100/Static

Write problem/project Goal
The goal of this project is to open a door with a certain number of of knocks will unlock the door with the stock door handle

Summary of actual work over first weekend
This week I gathered information on several static electricity machines to find out which one to build. I also gathered information on the physics behind electricity so I could apply some of it.

Week1 Narrative
I first began looking up different types of static electricity machines, and found this.

The site outlined many different types of static electricity generators, and said there were two types, ones that use friction to create energy, and ones that use induction.

I then learned about some of the machines outlined on the first website. First I looked into the winter machine, but found that it was more efficient than earlier friction machines, but couldn't find much else on it.

I then looked into the Bonnetti machine, and found that it could create some very interesting demonstrations like this one I could not find anything on how to build a bonnetti machine, other than that it was an unsegmented wimhurst machine.

After seeing the demonstration used Layden Jars, I decided to look into Layden jars.

I found a good diagram showing the basic design of a layden jar here. The site outlined how a layden jar works, and explained that it was a capacitor, so I went to learn what a capacitor was and how it functioned, and found that a capacitor essentially acts like a water tower for electricity. It stores a certain ammount of voltage, and then releases it, which is why when using layden jars a machine can produce a much larger spark.

I also looked into wimhurst machines, and found a tutorial and a site outlining its basic history and operation

After we decided to work on a Wimhurst machine I found this schematic for how it builds electricity

I came up with dome of the criteria for how we'll rate the demonstrations Kevin finds

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5vwhqal26c8218l/WhichProjectShouldWeDo.xls

My Second Task
I'm going to take apart a pair of roller blades at my house for the wheels, and I will look into the safety protocols of layden jars

Summary of actual work over second weekend
I looked up Leyden Jar safety, and took apart the roller blades. I also found a tutorial for actually making the leyden jars.

Week2 Narrative
I took apart the roller blades, and got the wheels so that I we could use them in the construction of our machine.

I also looked into the safety protocols for building a leyden jar, and compiled a list of tips:

1. Any jar above the size of a pint can store enough voltage to kill. 2. always treat the jar with care, never play around 3. Don't touch the jar while touching another conducting surface, or the current could go through yoyur heart 4. make sure you discharge the jar before you put it away.(It can be done with a discharge wand)

I also found several tutorials for making a leyden jar:

Tutorial 1

[|Tutorial 2]

Tutorial 3

I think I'll work on building from tutorial 3, as a film canister leyden jar is relatively safe(I've found only moderate shocks occur from a jar that size)

My Third task
Build a film canister leyden jar.

Summary of actual work over third weekend
I constructed a smaller film canister layden jar, and began planning construction for another, larger one.

Week3 Narrative
I constructed a leyden jar similar to the one in tutorial 3, except I used a small water bottle instead of a film canister,, as I didn't have a canister.



I began plans for constructing this leyden jar. I reviewed safety tips specific to this project, including only touching the taped end of the hangar to prevent shock, and to have a knowledge of leyden jars when making one of this size.

I also reviewed the materials required for this jar:


 * Glass jar
 * Tape(electric tape is best)
 * Insulated copper wire
 * Aluminum foil
 * Clothes hanger
 * Glue
 * Thin wood block
 * Paper clips
 * Wire cutters
 * Wire stripper
 * Saw

My Fourth task
I will construct a more advanced leyden jar, and help Kevin with the statistics from our survey(given we get the results back)

Summary of actual work over fourth weekend
I constructed and tested a leyden jar.

Week4 Narrative
I constructed a larger leyden jaar using a tutorial.

I tested the jar the way that the tutorial said, using a comb that was rubbed on wool carpetand bringing it close to the device(eventually there would be a shock on the comb) But the jar didn't work. I then tested it with the static generator, but it still held no charge.

After the jar didn't hold any charge I reviewed the tutorial, and read up on leyden jars to see if I either constructed it wrong, or the design was flawed. I found that I didn't wrap the aluminum foil properly, so there were breaks in the foil. There needs to be a constant loop, otherwise the electrons will escape, and there won't be a charge.

Complete Team Page
Fill out the Team Form (should have already copied the form, created the team page, linked to it and started filling it out).