Electrostatic Generator [Van de Graaff]
Maker and role
Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Manufacturer
University of Auckland, Other contributor
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Object detail
Accession number
1982.92
Description
Electrostatic Generator [Van de Graaff].
1. Large Aluminum, silver, dome (egg). Hollow. 4 metal brackets, half circles with brackets at either end and screw tightening mechanism in centre. Large rectangular metal frame with bar at top.
2. Large device made up of silver length of pipe that runs into beige coloured metal frame with copper discs.
4. Wooden crate contains ridged metal pole.
5. Metal ball on thin metal rod with three feet stand.
1. Large Aluminum, silver, dome (egg). Hollow. 4 metal brackets, half circles with brackets at either end and screw tightening mechanism in centre. Large rectangular metal frame with bar at top.
2. Large device made up of silver length of pipe that runs into beige coloured metal frame with copper discs.
4. Wooden crate contains ridged metal pole.
5. Metal ball on thin metal rod with three feet stand.
Brief History
A Van de Graaff generator is a high voltage generator, developed by Robert J. Van de Graaff at Princeton University in 1929 as part of his nuclear physics research. In a Van de Graaff generator, a moving belt carries an electrical charge to the inside of the dome. There it immediately moves to the outside surface of the dome. The bigger the diameter of the dome, the higher the voltage that can be reached before a spark will result. A spark is however undesirable when the generator is used for experiments.
This Van de Graaff generator came to MOTAT from the Physics Department of Auckland University. Its origins however lie in England, at the National Institute for Research in Nuclear Science at Oxford University. The generator arrived in Auckland in 1964 in the following two years was developed into the more powerful ‘AURA II.’ The fundamental research using the accelerated particles produced by this machine led to the development of several Auckland-based technology companies.
This Van de Graaff generator came to MOTAT from the Physics Department of Auckland University. Its origins however lie in England, at the National Institute for Research in Nuclear Science at Oxford University. The generator arrived in Auckland in 1964 in the following two years was developed into the more powerful ‘AURA II.’ The fundamental research using the accelerated particles produced by this machine led to the development of several Auckland-based technology companies.
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Atomic Energy Research Establishment et al. Electrostatic Generator [Van de Graaff], 1982.92. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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