by Henry Tregillus
k=2 Halbach Arrays: A Sandbox for Playing with Altered Physics
k=2 Halbach arrays form a highly-uniform, straight-line magnetic field within them. This has the neat effect of applying a torque (but NOT a push or pull force) to magnets within them. Ferromagnetic objects become magnetized - but only in the direction of the field, and only while in the array. Make iron filings walk from one side of a box to another without touching them. Build magnetic sculptures that only work within the array. Experience (and play with) a rarely-seen side of magnetism!
// About the Exhibitor
Henry is a network & software engineer with a background in physics. He loves to create thought experiments about strange edge cases before testing them by making things; sometimes these things answer the original question, but most of the time they just end up raising more - or just end up being fun/educational, like these Halbach arrays. If you're into networking, ask him about "The Pretzel" for an interesting breakdown in emergent behavior of computer networks! (It'll either make your head hurt or make you laugh; probably both)