Objectives:
1. Design and build a functional DC motor.
2. Understanding the principle of DC motor operation.
3. Evaluate the motor’s performance and efficiency.
Introduction: DC motors are electric motors that convert direct current
electrical energy into mechanical energy. They are widely utilized in various
applications due to their simplicity, reliability, and ease of control. A DC
motor operates based on the principle of electromagnetism, where current
flowing through a coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with
permanent magnets or other coils, resulting in rotational motion.
The versatility of DC motors allows for precise speed and torque control,
making them suitable for applications ranging from small household
appliances to large industrial machinery. In robotics and automation, they
play a crucial role in driving wheels, actuators, and various mechanisms.
Understanding the operation and characteristics of DC motors is essential for
optimizing their performance in diverse engineering projects.
Figure 1.1: Simple DC Motor
Methodology:
The project was executed through a series of carefully planned phases, each
focusing on a specific aspect of constructing a simple DC motor. The
methodology encompassed material selection, construction steps, and
testing protocols to ensure a thorough understanding of motor operation.
1. Rotor Construction:
The rotor, or coil, was constructed by taking a length of copper wire and
wrapping it around a metal object. This process involved carefully winding
the wire to form a coil with around 10 to 20 turns. The ends of the wire were
stripped of enamel using sandpaper to expose the copper, ensuring good
electrical contact.
2. Stator Preparation:
A strong permanent magnet was placed on each side of the coil, ensuring
opposite polarities. This magnet would serve as the stationary part of the
motor, providing the necessary magnetic field for motor operation.
3. Motor Assembly:
The coil was then positioned above the magnet, ensuring that it was
mounted securely yet allowed for free rotation. Connections were made by
attaching the stripped ends of the coil to the terminals of the battery, using
insulating tape to hold them in place if necessary. Care was taken to ensure
that the coil was aligned correctly to interact effectively with the magnetic
field.
4. Testing and Optimization:
Once assembled, the motor was powered on by connecting it to the battery
or a DC source. The coil was observed to rotate, demonstrating successful
operation. If the motor did not spin as expected, troubleshooting steps were
taken, including checking all electrical connections and adjusting the coil’s
positioning relative to the magnet. The performance of the motor was further
optimized by experimenting with different coil configurations, varying the
number of turns, and testing with different battery voltages.
Discussion: This simple DC motor project demonstrates the fundamental
principles of electromagnetism and motor operation, offering a hands-on
understanding of how electric current flowing through a wire coil generates a
magnetic field, which interacts with an external magnetic field to produce
rotational motion. By using basic materials such as a coil of wire, permanent
magnets, and a battery, the project replicates key components of a DC
motor, including the rotor, brushes (paper clips), and commutator (sanded
wire ends). It highlights critical concepts like the role of current reversal for
continuous motion and the interaction between magnetic fields to generate
torque. This foundational project provides insight into motor mechanics,
making it easier to grasp more complex motor control systems used in
mechatronics.
Conclusion: This simple DC motor project effectively demonstrates the
conversion of electrical energy into mechanical motion through the
interaction of magnetic fields. By constructing the motor from basic
materials, you gain hands-on experience with key motor components like the
coil, magnets, brushes, and commutator, while learning the fundamental
principles of electromagnetism and torque generation. The project highlights
important concepts such as current reversal for continuous rotation and
offers a foundational understanding of motor mechanics, paving the way for
more advanced studies in motor control and mechatronics systems.
