Van DeGraff Generator Challenge
This project started off as a project to make a Van DeGraff Generator that could be used in high school and AP physics classes to demonstrate static electricity.
It turned out to be quite a challenge to figure out the correct scale and triboelectric materials to make it work.
1.5 inch spark gap
The final design was made up of a 1) Stainless steel bowl as a collector with a 2) PVC pipe cut and bent as a support frame and a 3) Drill motor to drive the belt
Van Degraff Generator
4) A rubber exercise band as a conductive belt
Upper roller and brushes
5) A glass tube from a fluorescent tube as a positive top pulley
6) Electrical tape wrapped over the negative bottom pulley
Lower roller and brushes
