  | Click to enlarge |
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Structure of mechanism |
| Function |
The Wimshurst device is composed of two bakelite trays of identical size, on which tin strips have been glued. The trays turn about the same axis in opposite directions, thanks to a crank and pulley system at the rear of the device. A rod, whose ends rub on the trays, is attached to this axis. At the front of the device are two condensers, consisting of glass tubes and connected to the two U-shaped combs surrounding the two trays. The condensers are charged each time the crank is turned. Each condenser has at its top an articulated rod with a ball at the end, called a sparker; the discharges are produced between these balls when the condensers are saturated. The two balls are opposite each other, and can be moved together or apart. The entire apparatus is fixed to a plastic base. The base also features a knife switch which is used to short-circuit the condensers. |
| Dimension of mechanism |
spatial |
| Drive movement |
other |
| Output movement |
others |
| Revolution ability |
yes |
| Revolution ability of input link |
yes |
| Relative position between drive and output |
Other |
| |
Application |
| Examples of application |
This is a high-voltage electrical generator, which transforms mechanical power into electrical power. It is used for electrostatic experiments. It was used by future teachers in their studies at the Men's and Women's teacher training schools in Clermont-Ferrand, now the IUFM (University Teacher Training Institute). |
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