Write for us!
-
For Email Newsletters you can trust -
Recent Posts
Categories
Citizen Scientists League on Twitter
Meta
Category Archives: Machine Shop
Alpha Particle Spark Counter (Part 1)
This paper describes experiments with a multiple-wire anode spark counter designed to detect alpha (a) particles. The project and resulting experiments began as a consequence of a single-wire anode spark counter I built circa 1990. Continue reading
Posted in Electronics, Experimentation, Instrumentation, Machine Shop, Measurement, Physics, Projects, Sensors
1 Comment
Magnetoresistance in Bismuth – Experimental Investigations (Part 2 – The Thrilling Conclusion)
To increase Magnet #3 flux density, I machined two O-1 alloy steel pole piece inserts to reduce the magnet’s gap width from 11.8mm to ~3mm. Each insert disc was ~4.46mm thick and 19mm in diameter. Continue reading
Uraninite Check Source Design, Fabrication & Testing
This is a summary of the design and fabrication of two uraninite (UO2) check sources. These sources were designed to “confirm the continued satisfactory operation of an instrument” (per ANSI N323-1978) or otherwise verify the proper functioning of radiation detection and measurement systems, e.g., Geiger-Mueller counters. Continue reading
Posted in Experimentation, Instrumentation, Machine Shop, Measurement, Physics, Projects
Leave a comment
Corona Type Electrostatic Motor – Construction & Experiments
This paper summarizes the construction and initial experiments of a corona type electrostatic motor modeled after similar motors built by V.E. Johnson in 1921[1]. My version of this motor self-starts at one microampere (1mA) with 12 kilovolts (kV) Direct Current (DC). One variant achieved 4,200 revolutions per minute (rpm). Continue reading
Posted in Amateur Science, Electricity, Energy, Invention, Machine Shop, Physics, Projects
3 Comments
X-Ray Tube Prototype Construction & Experiments
This paper describes the construction and initial testing of a prototype x-ray tube. Its design is based loosely on the famous “Crookes’” cathode ray tube that Roentgen used to discover x-rays in 1895. Continue reading
The Design, Construction and Testing of a Thermo-Magnetic Motor
The thermo-magnetic motor converts thermal to kinetic energy by using a ferrous metal’s Curie point. The Curie point is the temperature where a ferromagnetic material loses its intrinsic magnetic properties as a function of temperature. Continue reading
Gaseous Discharge Tube Experiments with AC Potentials
This paper summarizes an experiment with a discharge tube placed in a strong magnetic field. I performed this work some years ago with very crude equipment. Continue reading
Posted in Amateur Science, Electricity, Machine Shop, Magnetism, Physics, Projects
1 Comment
Thermoelectric Generator Prototype: Design, Fabrication & Experimental Investigations
These notes cover the design & fabrication of a thermoelectric generator test bed prototype and the associated experimental investigations from 22 December 2006 to 30 December 2007. Continue reading
Posted in Amateur Science, Electricity, Energy, Machine Shop, Physics, Projects
Leave a comment
Turbine Alternator
This project’s goal was to research, design and build a small three phase turbine alternator operated from a compressed air supply. Continue reading
Posted in Electricity, Electronics, Machine Shop, Physics, Projects
2 Comments
Weiss Type Electromagnet Project
This paper summarizes preliminary magnetic flux measurements of a Weiss-type electromagnet. This experiment determined the magnetic flux to current relationship for the electromagnet. Continue reading
Posted in Electricity, Machine Shop, Magnetism, Physics, Projects
3 Comments