Investigation of small motors operating under the Huber effect

Abstract

The Huber effect is an interesting and potential useful means for creating extremely small and simple motors. It is based on the observation that torque is produced when current is passed through a rotating ball bearing. This paper reviews the alternative explanations for its operation and describes the design, construction and characterization of two prototype ball-bearing motors based on high precision miniature ball bearings. A key limitation of earlier work has been difficulties in repeatability due to rapid wear of the motor. This was overcome by using a data acquisition system to record the dynamic acceleration characteristics and hence predict acceleration torque versus speed characteristics.