Search for Science Fair Projects

1000 Science Fair Projects with Complete Instructions

Electricity Science Fair Project

The Biefeld-Brown Lifter

Hard
The Biefeld-Brown Lifter | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Can high voltage make a lightweight frame float off the ground? The Biefeld-Brown effect creates a force between two electrodes when a strong electric field is applied between them. You build a triangular frame from wooden skewers. Aluminum foil wraps the lower section and copper wire runs along the top. A DC power supply delivers up to 40 kilovolts across these two electrodes. When the voltage is applied, the lifter rises to about 450 mm above the ground.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that when the appropriate voltage is applied, the dipole will move towards the positive pole.

Method & Materials

You will construct a frame using wooden barbeque sticks, attach aluminum foil to the center, and connect copper wire to the top. Then, you will connect a DC high voltage power supply to the lifter construction.
You will need 9 wooden barbeque sticks, copper wire, red and black insulated wire, super adhesive glue, scotch tape, insulation tape, aluminum foil, a DC high voltage power supply, a ruler, a paper knife, and a 10kohm resistor.

MEL Physicshands-on physics experiment kits delivered monthly — real experiments, not just reading. (Affiliate link)

See whats included

Results

The experiment showed that the lifter levitated at approximately 450mm above the ground. This experiment demonstrates the potential of antigravity and the Biefeld-Brown effect for more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation systems.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting and unique because it demonstrates the potential of antigravity and the Biefeld-Brown effect for more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation systems.

Also Consider

Experiment variations include trying different voltages and adding small amounts of weight to the lifter.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

Related videos

These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
Share this Science Project:

Related Science Fair Project Ideas

Battery Life at Extreme Temperatures
Power a fan with three battery brands at room temperature, freezing, and extreme cold to see which one lasts longest.
Hard
Friction Losses in DC Motors by Size
Turn off four different DC motors and time how long each one spins to find out which loses the most energy to friction.
Hard
Franklin's Bells from Soda Cans
Hang a pull-tab between two soda cans, connect one to static charge, and watch the tab swing back and forth like a bell clapper.
Hard
Share this Science Project: