How can I accurately calculate mutual inductance between a coil and a magnet?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the mutual inductance between a coil and a magnet, focusing on the challenges faced when applying Neumann's formula for mutual inductance in this context. Participants explore various approaches to measure the strength of the magnet through induced electromotive force (emf) in the coil.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Edgar seeks methods to calculate mutual inductance, initially using Neumann's formula but noting its limitations due to the finite diameter of the coil wires.
  • Zooby questions the use of "mutual inductance" in the context of a single coil and a magnet, suggesting a misunderstanding of the term as it typically applies to transformers.
  • Edgar clarifies that the goal is to measure the strength of the magnet by analyzing the induced emf as the magnet approaches the coil, indicating that mutual inductance is a function of position.
  • Zooby expresses uncertainty about how to assist further, suggesting that the problem resembles those encountered in generator engineering.
  • Another participant questions the relevance of mutual inductance in this scenario, emphasizing the need for two windings to apply the concept correctly.
  • Mike suggests practical measurement techniques, such as using a Bell gaussmeter or measuring the force on a current-carrying coil, to obtain data on the magnetic field strength.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of mutual inductance in the context of a coil and a magnet, with some questioning its relevance and others attempting to clarify its use. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the appropriate methods for calculating mutual inductance in this specific setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the application of Neumann's formula due to assumptions about wire diameter and the definition of mutual inductance in relation to the experimental setup. There are also unresolved mathematical complexities in calculating the induced emf.

HiEdgar
Hi, All:

I am trying to calculate the mutual inductance between the coil (100 turns) and the magnet. Does anybody know any approaches that may lead a satisfactory answer.

So far, I have been using Neumann's formula which is the formula for mutual inductance, M, between two loops. I treated my magnet as another coil and used Neumann's formula to determine M then. The problem with that is that the diameter of the wires of my coil are finite whereas neumann's formula treats them as infinitisemally small. Because of this, my M became a funciton of magnet's wire diameter, which is not right. Any input is appreciated.

Thank you,

Edgar
 
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As far as I know "mutual inductance" is the term used to describe what happens in a transformer, and is synonymous with "mutual induction". That being the case I'm confused by your question, because you speak only of one coil and refer to a magnet. In a transformer there should be at least two coils and a core, but no magnet.

It could be that "mutual inductance" was used by mistake in the old book I looked it up in but I'n not sure. Another book I have used the term "mutual induction" to describe the same thing.

If you could explicitly define the phenomenon you're asking about maybe I can dig up some more information.

Zooby
 
here is more info on my problem

Hi,

I am not working with transformers. My objective is to measure the strength (Br) of a given magnet. The experimental setup is as follows: as we move the magnet closer to the coil, there will be emf generated in the coil. In can be shown that the strength of a magnet is proportional to the
Integral[emf]/delta_[M], where M is the mutual inductance. I can measure Integral[emf]. But I need to know M, which is a function of a position. My first approach was to use Neumann's formula which you can find in Griffiths' or Jackson's E&M textbooks. However Neumann's formula deals with wires whose diameter is infinitesimally small.

From your email, I also got a feeling that you may know some techniques on calculating the emf induced in the coil due to magnet's movement. Formulawise, it is not bad: emf=-N dFlux/dt, Flux=Integral{B.da}, B=mu0 H, H=-Grad[Phi_m], Phi_m=Integral[n.M/r da]. Unfortunately, when I used this approach, the math got so hairy after calculation of B that is was really hard to go further. If you know of any other approaches please let me know,

thank you,

Edgar
 


Sorry to say, now that I understand the situation you're trying to work with, that I don't know what you need to work the problem out. It sounds to me like the kind of problem that would arise in the engineering of generators. If you can find any literature on that it may help.
"From your email, I also got a feeling that you may know some techniques on calculating the emf induced in the coil..."
I didn't send you an E-Mail, so this statement is unsettling. You received an E-Mail from me? zoobyshoe?
 
i need the neumanns eqn derivation part as well as how it can be applied to calculate mutual inductance?
 
Where does your "mutual inductance" come into it?
Mutual inductance tells you the emf generated in one winding when the current in another winding changes. Where are the 'two' windings in this model?
 
Attempting to measure theintegral of the induced EMF could get pretty hairy since measurement errors could quickly overwhelm out your data (unless you made the measurement quickly.

In the lab, we would typically use a Bell gaussmeter. If your low on resources, perhaps measuring the force on a current bearing coil (Lozentz force) could help you out. That or purchasing a cheap Hall sensor, then zeroing and scaling it with a homemade helmholtz coil.

Best of luck,

Mike
 
yeah yeah i got it :)
thank u
 

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