Applying the Biot-Savart Law to solenoids

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying the Biot-Savart Law to determine the magnetic field B of an arbitrary solenoid. The user expresses familiarity with Ampere's Law but seeks to master the Biot-Savart Law, specifically using the equation B = (μ₀/4π) ∫ (K × (r - r')) / |r - r'|³ da'. The user attempts to define the surface charge density K as K = NI/L = nI but struggles with the complexity of integrating over the solenoid's length. The conversation highlights the challenges of deriving the magnetic field analytically and suggests that numerical methods are often employed for such calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Biot-Savart Law and its mathematical formulation
  • Familiarity with Ampere's Law and its applications in electromagnetism
  • Knowledge of surface charge density and its significance in magnetic field calculations
  • Basic calculus skills for performing integrals in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research numerical methods for calculating magnetic fields from arbitrary current distributions
  • Study the derivation of the magnetic field for a solenoid using Ampere's Law
  • Explore advanced integration techniques for solving complex electromagnetic problems
  • Learn about software tools for simulating electromagnetic fields, such as COMSOL Multiphysics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators seeking to deepen their understanding of the Biot-Savart Law and its applications in calculating magnetic fields.

RawrSpoon
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Not really homework but I figured this was the best place to post anyway.

1. Homework Statement

I want to find the magnetic field B for an arbitrary solenoid using the Biot-Savart Law. I can find it easily through Ampere's Law, but I'd like mastery over the Biot-Savart Law.

Homework Equations


B=\frac{μ_{0}}{4\pi}\int \frac{K \times (r-r')}{|r-r'|^3}da'
As there's no curly r as used in Griffiths Electrodynamnics, I'll replace curly r with an arbitrary symbol γ such that
\gamma=r-r'
Thus
\hat{\gamma}=\frac {r-r'}{|r-r'|}
And so
B=\frac{μ_{0}}{4\pi}\int \frac{K \times \hat{\gamma}}{\gamma^2}da'
Maybe unnecessary but perhaps not. I just enjoy that notation as it's what I'm used to.

3. The Attempt at a Solution

As K is the surface charge density, I'll make the supposition that
K=\frac{NI}{L}=nI
where N is the number of turns on the solenoid, and L is the length of said solenoid.

And this is where I get stuck. Whereas I easily found the magnetic field due to a single loop of wire, the solenoid having length makes me be very unsure as to where to even begin. Whereas a loop of wire has γ easily defined as
\gamma=\sqrt {R^2+x^2}
where R is the radius of the loop of wire and x is the distance of an arbitrary point M along the same axis as the loop

I've found that γ at the part of the solenoid closest to M is equal to
\gamma=\sqrt {R^2+x^2}
the part of the solenoid furthest from M gives a γ of
\gamma=\sqrt {R^2+(x+L)^2}

I'm really lost. This doesn't mean I haven't tried my hardest or I'm being lazy. Any attempt to solve in a similar manner to that of a loop of wire ends up giving me multiple integrals that become a massive headache really quickly. Any nudge in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. If anything is unclear, let me know so I can try to either clarify my language or even attempt to draw a (likely very poor quality) image.
 
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Perhaps example 30.33 here ? It's already pretty hefty.
But I suppose you already went through that and now want a real challenge.
However, the general case is probably done numerically most of the time ('using software' http://physicspages.com/2013/04/15/solenoid-field-from-biot-savart-law/says :) ).
 
I hadn't done one like that problem actually so thank you so much for that! And I'm a little disappointed the integrals are very difficult by hand, but at least now I know a little better when to use Ampere's Law. Thank you.
 

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