After multiple setups and attempts at reaching the required velocity, we had decided on moving a circular copper track relative to our vehicle at the velocity needed. The movement of the track was to be powered by a motor, according to our setup below.

Building the Final Setup

A donut-shaped copper sheet acts as our rotating track. Aluminium profiles were used to stabilise the system, as well as to allow for fixing of different components (e.g. bracket, motor) on the frame. The track is connected to the motor by means of a bicycle chain, which is also responsible for spinning the track.

Here, we see the 3D parts used in the setup. The yellow sprocket was customised and 3D-printed to fit the motor. The J-clamps were used to hold the copper track and wheel together tightly.

Our vehicle was sandwiched between 2 aluminium profiles and allowed to slide up and down the profile using a sliding nut, so as to visualise its vertical displacement when levitation occurs.

However, we encountered a few problems with this setup.

Problem 1: 3D-Printed Sprocket

While our initial plans were to use our customised 3D-printed sprocket, we soon realised that the sprocket was too weak. Running the motor a few times started to erode the edges of the sprocket, causing it to become increasingly ill-fitting.

Hence, much stronger metal sprockets should be used instead. However, the sprockets which we obtained came with large holes in the middle, which were too big to be fitted snugly on the motor. To resolve this, we 3D-printed customised moulds to be fitted in their centre. The moulds were melted into the sprockets by means of a heat gun, and then epoxy-glued in to strengthen the hold.

Problem 2: J-Clamps

Another problem was that the 3D-printed J-clamps were disrupting the movement of the spinning track. While we had customised them according to the thickness of the wheel and track, wear and tear caused them to loosen them over time. This led to the copper track constantly slipping out of alignment, and also posed a potential danger.

We thus needed a tighter ‘clamp’ to hold the wheel and track together.

A quick fix to this problem was using paper binder clips to hold the copper track and the bicycle wheel tightly together, which conveniently were a snug fit.

Problem 3: Friction in Sliding Mechanism

While we could now visualise clearly the up- and downward displacement of the vehicle along the aluminium profiles with the sliding nuts, we realised there was too much friction in this mechanism. This friction was limiting the movement of the vehicle.

The solution to this was using a well-lubricated sliding rod. Lubrication was provided with a mixture of oil and grease.

Problem 4: Measuring Velocity

As the motor we had purchased did not allow for the control of speed, it was difficult for us to know how fast the track was spinning. It was also difficult to calculate the velocity based on the frames per second provided by slow-motion videos taken with our cameras. An easy solution to this was the attachment of a speedometer to the setup.

We attached the magnet of the speedometer at a fixed position, on one of the paper binder clips. The sensor of the magnet (which is connected to the digital display of the speedometer) was cable-tied to the frame right above the wheel.

After resolving all aforementioned problems, we now have our finished product!!!