A couple of simple magnetization problems

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on magnetization problems involving a long cylinder with a constant magnetization of ##\vec{M}=M\hat{z}##. Initially, the magnetic fields H and B were calculated, revealing that H is zero everywhere and B is ##\mu_0 M## inside the cylinder. The introduction of a small hole through the cylinder raised questions about the expected non-zero fields outside the cylinder. The confusion was clarified when it was established that the cylinder is infinitely wide, not infinitely long, which significantly impacts the magnetic field calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetization concepts, specifically ##\vec{M}## and its implications.
  • Familiarity with magnetic field equations, particularly ##\vec{H}## and ##\vec{B}## fields.
  • Knowledge of surface current density calculations, including ##\vec{K}=\vec{M}\times \hat{n}##.
  • Ability to apply Maxwell's equations in magnetostatics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of surface currents on magnetic fields in cylindrical geometries.
  • Learn about the implications of infinite versus finite dimensions in magnetostatics.
  • Explore the relationship between magnetization and magnetic fields using computational tools like COMSOL Multiphysics.
  • Investigate the role of boundary conditions in magnetostatic problems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics and engineering, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and magnetostatics, will benefit from this discussion.

diegzumillo
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Homework Statement


These are actually two problems that I'm merging into one because each of them seem to have conflicting solutions, and I want to clear this up.

Consider a long cylinder (very long) extending in the z direction with a constant magnetization ##\vec{M}=M\hat{z}##. What are the H and B fields everywhere? Now drill a very small hole through it in the z direction, what are the H and B fields everywhere now?

Homework Equations


##\vec{j}=\nabla \times \vec{M}##
##\vec{K}=\vec{M}\times \hat{n}##
There are more, of course, but let me know if something crucial is missing.

The Attempt at a Solution


Without hole: there is no current density inside (curl of that constant magnetization is zero) but we do have surface current ##\vec{K}=M\hat{\phi}## because the walls are perpendicular to M. So with that it's easy to calculate B (it's zero outside and ##\mu_0 M## inside, like a solenoid). And to find H is also simple, using ##\vec{H}=\vec{B}/\mu_0-\vec{M}## we see that H is zero everywhere, inside and out.

Now with the drilled hole for some reason we have H and B fields not zero everywhere. Shouldn't it be the at least similar? Sure, there's a current in the central surface going in opposite direction as the outer current, but I woud still expect that outside the whole thing the fields to be zero. What am I missing?
 
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I don't see anything wrong with your reasoning: the only changes should be the inner surface current and B-field within the cavity created.
Where did you get that there should be non-zero fields outside? (in the "very long" cylinder approximation, of course)
 
Oh! I feel dumb. I misread the second problem statement. It's not infinitely long, it's infinitely wide. That changes everything (we could really use a facepalm 'smiey')
 

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