Climbing Magnets Investigation
Experimental analysis of magnetic force in climbing systems
Physics / Research
Project Story
This physics research project systematically measured magnetic attraction forces under varying distances, orientations, and magnet types to model stability in climbing-related magnetic systems.
Why I Built It
Understanding how magnetic forces scale with distance and orientation is essential for evaluating safety and feasibility in climbing-adjacent magnetic attachment systems.
What I Built
Controlled experiments with precise measurements, plotted data analysis, and physics-based modelling to characterise force behaviour across configurations.
What I Did
- Designed experimental methodology and measurement protocol
- Conducted systematic trials across variable conditions
- Analysed data and built force models
- Prepared tournament presentation and defence
How I Built It
Build Flow
Hypothesis -> controlled experiment -> data collection -> statistical analysis -> force model -> conclusions.
How It Works
Magnets were tested at controlled distances and orientations while measuring attractive force. Results were plotted, fitted to theoretical models, and compared against predictions.
Hardware
- Force measurement apparatus
- Various magnet types
Software
- Data analysis tools
- Graphing and modelling
What Was Hard
- Ensuring consistent measurement methodology across trials
- Accounting for non-ideal magnetic field behaviour
- Presenting complex physics clearly to a tournament jury
Build Reference
Tournament research environment and lab context for the experimental investigation.
Click to inspect
Demos and Build Notes
Photos and Notes
Project photos
Results & Impact
- Top 10 national finish - Swiss Young Physicists' Tournament
- Comprehensive dataset on magnetic force behaviour
- Validated experimental methodology and clear physical conclusions
What I Learned
- Rigorous experimental design prevents ambiguous results
- Data visualisation is essential for communicating physics research
- Real-world systems rarely match idealised textbook models
Next Steps
- Extend analysis to dynamic loading scenarios
- Compare neodymium vs ferrite configurations in detail
- Publish findings as a formal research poster