The Fab Hoop (Bigger)

Completed: December 2024

Submitted to Physics 90R under the supervision of Dr. Nathan Melenbrink at Harvard University.

Description:

Two years after building the Fab Hoop, I decided to take on a much harder task: scaling it up to full size. This would prove to be much more difficult because as the hoop size increases, the change in magnetic flux is much harder to detect. This turned into the topic of a semester-long independent research project which analyzed the limits of using magnetically induced current as an indicator of object-plane detection.

This hoop, measuring 36 inches in diameter, is a proof of concept for the techniques used to maximize induced current. And not only was it able to detect a magnetic ball passing through, but it also used signal processing to distinguish between types of movement. It is a reminder that even though some tasks might seemingly call for solutions involving advanced computer vision or other fancy technology, sometimes all it takes is a simple equation and knowing how to apply it.

The paper below details more of the design process and underlying physics involved.