The document summarizes experiments conducted with various electrostatic devices. Students designed and tested an electrostatic generator called the Kelvin generator that was able to generate over 1000 volts of charge. They also tested two electrostatic motors: a corona motor that spun faster when sharp copper wires were added, and a ping pong ball motor that achieved rotations over 300 rpm and worked best. The experiments helped the students gain a better understanding of electrostatics and its applications.

1. .
Our objective was to establish a fundamental understanding of
Electrostatics by creating, implementing, and discovering
applications.
During our three week program, we designed and created a variety of
electrostatic motors. The variation of experiments resulted in varied
results:
Kelvin Generator- In building this device we were able to create an
electric charge on the system over 1000 volts. Some of the problems
encountered were due to too many conductors attached to system taking
away from the central charge and small receivers which did not allow the
system charge long enough.
Corona Motor – This experimental motor spun faster whenever a pair of
sharp edged wire were added to the body of the motor. After some time,
the speed of the motor decreased. We concluded that due to the weight of
added wires, and friction of the bearing, the motor eventually reached its
maximum speed. Using lighter materials and improved should yield
better results.
Ping–Pong Ball Motor – The best results and fastest spins were recorded
from this design. We recorded this device moving in excess of 300 rpm’s .
Although, just like the corona motor after we added more conductors to
system it eventually reached its peak speed.
In conclusion, we believe the application of electrostatics should be
implemented more into today’s market. The power in which it exhumes
from natural sources is exhilarating.
Studies in Electrostatics
Methodology
We would like to thank our faculty advisors, Mr. Fred Buls and Ms. Susannah
Lomant; our 2014 Summer Bridge Coordinators, Dr. Pamela Leggett-Robinson,
Ms. Naranja Davis, and Ms. Margaret Major; and the Clarkston campus science
department.
Results & Conclusion
Procedure
• Theory
- Given background and overview of Electrostatic forces,
their measurements, and how to calculate them.
• Brain Storming
- Determined different designs to build consisting of
electrostatic motors, generators, and electrets.
• Design
- Gathered material and created models.
• Testing
- Used voltage meter, Data Studio, Observation, Cameras,
and Photogate setup in order to measure results.
• Applications
-Ozone generator, chargers in electrostatic apparatus like
xerographic copiers, voltage generators, lightning protectors,
paint guns, precipitators.
Olawale Onafowokan, Aemah Badri, Lovina Delph, Vernon Reed, Korey Prendergast, Hoai Nguyen, James Wilcox
FACULTY ADVISORS: DR. FRED BULS AND DR. SUSANNAH LOMANT
The purpose of this research was to experiment with several
electrostatic designs with the initial intent to investigate which one
we could create to yield the best results. One was an electrostatic
generator called the Kelvin generator. It was designed to create an
electrostatic charge. The other designs were two electrostatic
motors. The first was a ping pong motor, which transferred
electrons through electrically conducted ping pong balls in order to
give it speed. The second was a corona motor, in which electrons
were diverted through the tips of copper wires attached to the side
of a plastic bottle in order to direct the electrical propulsion and
create spin. Other designs were made and the three aforementioned
ranked among the top three.
The aspects explored are the qualities required to create more
practical device designs. We hope to find them being implemented
more into tomorrow’s technological advances. Participants in this
study are walking away from the program with a higher
understanding of electrostatics and physics.
Electrostatic involves electric charges, the forces between them,
and their behavior in
materials. An understanding of electricity involves a step-by-step
approach, for one concept is the
building block for the next. The fundamental rule at the base of all
electrical phenomena is that similar charges repel and opposite
charges attract.
An electrostatic motor is based on the attraction and repulsion of
electric charge. The first electrostatic motor was constructed by
Benjamin Franklin in 1748. The motor originally was used to power
bells and other small devices. The motor is based on the use of
moving plates that are charged to be either positive or negative.
Applications of Electrostatic motors have now expanded into
many fields since the discovery of the effect in 1740’s and can be
found in chemical synthesis, Coronas and electrical insulation
Diagnostic techniques.
Abstract
Introduction
Objectives
References
Acknowledgements
Testing, & Applications
Jefimenko, Oleg D., and David K. Walker. Electrostatic Motors;
History, Types, and Principles of Operation. Star City: Electret
Scientific, 1973. Print.
Web.mit.edu, (2014). D35-KELVIN WATER DROP GENERATOR.
[online] Available at: http://web.mit.edu/~tsg/DemoPage/D/
D35/D35.htm [Accessed 22 May. 2014].