Mutual Inductance: Coil Wrapping Direction & Opposite Poles

[Phaedrus]

I have 2 inductors in series...iron core...iron yoke...with a capacitor in parallel. For best mutual inductance, does it matter which direction each coil is wrapped...or maybe a better question would be how do you insure that the poles will be opposite every cycle so they are not working against each other?

 

[Andrew Mason]

I have 2 inductors in series...iron core...iron yoke...with a capacitor in parallel. For best mutual inductance, does it matter which direction each coil is wrapped...or maybe a better question would be how do you insure that the poles will be opposite every cycle so they are not working against each other?

If they are in series, then you effectively have a single coil. Mutual inductance becomes self inductance (which is just inductive reactance). The induced voltage/current will always oppose the applied voltage/current (Lenz's law) regardless of how you orient the coils. Just thinking about it quickly, the inductive reactance should be the same regardless of the orientation - it depends only upon the inductance.

AM

 

[Graeme Robinson]

Mutual inductance is the phenomenon that occurs when two coils are placed close to each other and the changing magnetic field of one coil induces a voltage in the other coil. In the case of two inductors in series with an iron core and yoke, the mutual inductance between the two coils is increased due to the presence of the iron material, which enhances the magnetic field.

In order to achieve the best mutual inductance, it is important to consider the direction in which each coil is wrapped. The direction of coil wrapping determines the polarity of the induced voltage and thus affects the overall performance of the circuit. If the two coils are wrapped in the same direction, the induced voltage will be in the same direction, resulting in a weaker mutual inductance. On the other hand, if the two coils are wrapped in opposite directions, the induced voltage will be in opposite directions, resulting in a stronger mutual inductance.

To ensure that the poles are opposite every cycle and not working against each other, it is important to pay attention to the orientation of the coils when connecting them in series. The positive terminal of one coil should be connected to the negative terminal of the other coil, and vice versa. This will ensure that the induced voltage in one coil will be in the opposite direction of the induced voltage in the other coil, resulting in a stronger mutual inductance.

Additionally, the use of an iron core and yoke also helps in achieving opposite poles. The iron material provides a low reluctance path for the magnetic flux, which helps in concentrating the magnetic field and thus enhancing the mutual inductance.

In conclusion, for best mutual inductance, it is important to wrap the coils in opposite directions and connect them in series with opposite polarities. The use of an iron core and yoke can also help in achieving opposite poles and increasing the mutual inductance between the two coils.