The Levitron (R) is a small spinning top like magnet that is fully hovering in mid air unsupported. It is rather critical in its dimensions and operation. This requires adjustment by very small weight changes. It is commercially made and sold as a science toy. See their site for details.
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I have tried to make, one unsuccessfully as yet, with the arrangement above. Here the magnet is supported in a stable position just above equilibrium. Any lower and it will fall over. If it is spinning and all parameters are correct it would hover in the air until it slowed sufficiently in a few minutes to fall.. The speed of rotation of the Levitron is important (20-35 revs/sec) and the weight is sensitive to 0.3% and will be disturbed by temperature fluctuations.
I have used a motor to spin it to find a zero balance position but haven’t really spent a lot of time on it. Arranging a stable spin as a simple top is the first challenge due to the multiple components (nylon nuts and bolt, acrylic disc and toroidal magnet. I have used a nylon screw but it is very hard to machine as it bends and slips. Probably machining one from something hard like polycarbonate would be better. This would mean there is only one shaft, disc and magnet support and symmetry is more assured.
I have now purchased a commercial Levitron. Next: to assemble it.
Related pages
Try something else
Superconductors – Meissner Effect
External links
Photo Date: 2005