Best permanent magnet arrangement?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around optimizing the arrangement of a block of N52 permanent magnets to achieve the strongest possible magnetic field, particularly for use in a motor application. Participants explore various configurations, including the Halbach array and the concept of closed magnetic circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a Halbach array would provide the maximum magnetic field strength compared to other arrangements.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of having an almost-closed magnetic path to maximize field strength in a small gap.
  • There is a request for clarification on what constitutes a closed magnetic circuit, with a participant suggesting that it involves magnets being in direct contact or as close as possible.
  • A participant expresses the intention to cut the block into smaller shapes and seeks advice on how to arrange them to create the strongest possible magnet.
  • One participant asks how to incorporate ferrous materials to route and focus the magnetic flux into the working gap, requesting a sketch for clarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the best arrangement for the magnets, with no consensus reached on the optimal configuration or the effectiveness of the Halbach array compared to other methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the concept of closed magnetic circuits and the impact of magnet shape and arrangement on field strength, but specific assumptions and definitions remain unresolved.

George-M
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If I have a block of N52 and I want to make it's magnetic field as strong as possible, would a Halbach array give me this maximum or is there a different pole arrangement/array that would provide this? I'm thinking for the use in a motor, so the field doesn't have to be large. A close field (≤10mm) is all that is necessary.
 
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What do you mean by a "block" of N52? What shape?

In general, you want to have an almost-closed magnetic path to maximize the field strength in a small gap.
 
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berkeman said:
What do you mean by a "block" of N52? What shape?

In general, you want to have an almost-closed magnetic path to maximize the field strength in a small gap.

The shape really doesn't matter. Whatever shape is best.

Could you explain a closed magnetic circuit to me?

To my understanding, a closed magnetic circuit would be where the magnets are in direct contact. I can only assume that an almost-closed magnetic circuit would be where the magnets are as close as possible to one another.

If I've understood this correct, how would I increase the field strength even further to maximize it's capabilities?

What I originally meant by a block was that I can cut up the block to form smaller shapes with the magnetic poles in any orientation/ at any angle. My point was that I can make an array of magnets from the block but how could I utilise the physics to create the strongest possible magnet?

Before I forget, thank you ever so much for your fast response. Greatly appreciated.
 
He means something like this. The field in the small gap in the C will be high.

1573686806027.png
 
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Perfect answer by @anorlunda

So if you only have a cubic "block" of the permanent magnet material, how would you add 3-4 pieces of a ferrous material (that is below its saturation flux density) to route and focus that strong magnetic flux into your working gap? Can you post a sketch? :smile:
 

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