Electrophore machine operates as a continuous source of electrical energy. This device is often used as an auxiliary for demonstrating various electrical phenomena and effects. But what is its design and features?
A bit of the history of the invention
The electrophore machine was developed back in 1880 by August Tepler, a German physicist. What is curious, completely independently, another experimental scientist Wilhelm Goltz invented a similar design, but even more advanced, since his apparatus made it possible to obtain large values of potential differences and could serve as a direct current source. In addition, the Goltsev machine was much simpler in design. At the end of the nineteenth century, an English experimenter in the field of electricity and mechanics, James Wimshurst, improved the unit. And to this day, it is his version (albeit a little more modern) that is used to demonstrate electrodynamic experiments due to the ability to create a huge potential difference between the collectors. The electrophore machine was improved already in the forties of the twentieth century by a scientist named Ioffe, who developed a new type of electrostatic generators for powering an x-ray machine. Although the Wimshurst machine is not currently used for the immediate task of generating electric energy, it is a historical exhibit that illustrates the history of the development of engineering and scientific and technological progress.
Electrophore Machine Design
This unit consists of two disks that rotate towards each other. The operation of an electrophore machine lies precisely in the implementation of such a double mutual rotation. On the disks are conductive segments isolated from each other. Capacitors are formed using the side plates of both disks. That is why an electrophore machine is sometimes called a capacitor. On the disks are neutralizers, which divert charges from opposite elements of the disks to the ground using brushes. The collectors are on the left and right. It is they that receive the signals generated by the combs from the rear and front discs.
What are Leiden banks?
In many cases, charges accumulate on capacitors. They are called Leiden banks. After this, it is possible to reproduce much stronger discharges and sparks. The inner plates of each capacitor are connected to the conductors separately. The brushes that touch the disk sectors are combined with the inner lining of the Leiden cans. The entire structure is currently mounted on plastic racks. Together with Leiden banks, machine parts are fixed on a wooden stand. Given the visibility of the design, an electrophore machine with their own hands can be done quite simply. Even a person who does not have a special technical education can assemble and operate it at his pleasure.
What is the operation of an electrophore machine based on?
Using the mutual efforts of both disks - this is the principle that is fundamental in this device. The effect of the occurrence of a potential difference, and then of discharges and sparks, is achieved by the correct arrangement of sectors. Of course, there are developments that use blank disks, but they do not give a similar coefficient of performance . Such designs are often used in small educational institutions. The distance between the disks of a device such as an electrophore machine plays a crucial role and has a significant effect on achieving the required voltage across capacitors.
What is the principle of the device?
Electrophore machine since its invention (and this is the beginning of the eighteenth century) has experienced many changes. But the main idea remained. The basis for the design of the machine are discs with glued plates (metal stripes). Having applied a certain mechanical force with the help of a belt drive, they can be rotated in different directions, opposite to each other. On the lining of one disk, a positive charge arises. He will attract another charge (negative). The positive will go through the conductor with brushes (neutralizer), which touches the opposite lining. Turning the discs, we get charges similar to the original. But they will already affect other linings. Given that the discs rotate in opposite directions, charges flow to the collectors. In a demonstration device such as an electrophore machine, the principle of operation is based on this very moment. On the brushes of both disks, which do not touch their surface and are located at the edges, the charges at some point become so huge that a breakdown occurs in the airspace and an electric spark jumps through. That is why additional capacitors of different capacities can be connected to the collectors, which will add great beauty to the effect of a discharge.