Building a van de graaf generator
 

After playing with one in physics earlier this year i have been looking for one, when i finally did they were like a few hundred dollars(way outside my price range) so i was wondering if anyone knows how to make one or any good links on them.

Re: Building a van de graaf generator
 

those are nasty things to mess with if they are incorrectly assembled, but link-wise you can try these

amasci
how stuff works


WARNING: VDG generators can be extremely dangerous to use/make if done improperly, proceed with extreme caution

Re: Building a van de graaf generator
 

actually I was hoping to make one this summer... :) I've got some ideas if you want to PM me but I just got back from the barn and I smell.... lol

Re: Building a van de graaf generator
 

thanks those are good sites, also warning taken and you get to say "i told you so" if i hurt myself

Re: Building a van de graaf generator
 

I was trying to fix one of those in physics the other day. The long rubber band was the most stubborn thing I have ever tried to fix in my life. The rubber band slipped off the wheel and then when I finally fixed the rubber band back up there, it RIPPED. Let's just say I was not a happy person that day...

Re: Building a van de graaf generator
 

Okay now that I have a moment...
My physics teacher/team mentor told our whole class the basics of it and I, of course being one of the few awake and excited, took notes :D
The most expensive part is the metal dome, but my teacher/mentor said that those garden gazing balls work fine.
Just need a motor, some cotton batting (from a craft store), one of those physical therapy rubber bands, some wire to make a comb and connectors, and there ya go!

Re: Building a van de graaf generator
 

For a quick way to make one check out these threads (take with humor)

here
or here

Re: Building a van de graaf generator
 

It is very hard to produce a lot of current(that you will actually feel) with these things but if you got some extra belts,pulley, motors and aluminum it's possible. Good summer project by the way fun stuff.

-Drew

Re: Building a van de graaf generator
 

Vaguely reminds me of something certain members of one AP physics class at my school is attempting to do. They have a very temperamental rail gun, but one guy I know is going to try to get it working over the summer. I'm dubious that it'll ever work, but I'm not going to tell them that, don't want to spoil their fun!