Halbach Array
Configuring magnets in specific ways can significantly enhance the magnetic properties of an assembly. One notable configuration is the Halbach Array, which was discovered by Klaus Halbach in the 1980s. This arrangement of magnets, often made from Neodymium Magnets, directs the magnetic field to one side of the array, effectively creating a stronger field on one side while almost canceling the field on the other.
Constructing a Halbach Array is challenging because it involves compressing like poles of magnets together, which naturally repel each other. However, once this difficult alignment is achieved, it significantly enhances the magnetic field. To secure the magnets in the array, aluminium tape or quick-setting epoxy resin can be used to hold the magnets in place. This type of configuration is useful in various applications where controlled magnetic fields are needed, such as in particle accelerators, magnetic levitation, and advanced electrical motors.
