Current density of a moving conductor or conducting fluid

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of current density in moving conductors or conducting fluids, specifically referencing the empirical law of Ohm's law as described in "An Introduction to Magnetohydrodynamics" by Davidson. The equation for current density is presented as J = σ(E + u × B), where σ is electrical conductance, E is the electric field, u is the velocity of the conductor, and B is the magnetic field. Participants clarify that the current density vector J(r,t) does not necessarily align with the velocity vector u, and they discuss the role of the magnetic force in generating electromotive force (e.m.f.) as described by Faraday's law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electromagnetism concepts, including electric fields and magnetic fields.
  • Familiarity with the empirical law of Ohm's law and its application in different frames of reference.
  • Knowledge of vector operations, particularly cross products in physics.
  • Basic principles of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) as outlined in Davidson's textbook.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the equation J = σ(E + u × B) in various contexts.
  • Explore Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and its applications in generating e.m.f.
  • Research the operation and principles behind homopolar generators, including their mathematical modeling.
  • Examine the role of charge density and drift velocity in defining current density in moving conductors.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, electrical engineering, and magnetohydrodynamics, particularly those interested in the behavior of current in moving conductive materials and the principles of electromagnetic induction.

omyojj
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I beg you to understand my poor Eng..
If there is any poor grammar or spelling..please correct me..

While studying MHD with "An Introduction to Magnetohydrodynamics" written by Davidson,
I encountered the term 'current density'..
As you know well, empirically,
<br /> \mathbf{J} = \sigma \mathbf{E}<br />
with electric field being measured in a frame of reference in which the charged test particle is at rest.

It says
This is an empirical law which, for stationary conductors, takes the form \mathbf{J} = \sigma \mathbf{E}, where \mathbf{E} is the electric field and \mathbf{J} the current density. We interpret this as \mathbf{J} being proportional to the Coulomb force \mathbf{f} = q\mathbf{E} which acts on the free charge carriers, q being their charge. If, however, the conductor is moving in a magnetic field with velocity \mathbf{u}, the free charges will experience an additional force, q\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{B} and Ohm's law becomes
\mathbf{J} = \sigma ( \mathbf{E} + \mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{B} )

I can't understand this "empirical" Ohm's law for moving conductor(or conducting fluid) because, to my knowledge, \mathbf{J}(\mathbf{r},t) = \rho_e(\mathbf{r},t)\mathbf{v}(\mathbf{r},t) is thought to be the more fundamental definition of current density. It is basically a vector having the (net) direction of charged particles drift velocity..
But \mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{B} clearly does not coincide in direction with \mathbf{u}..

Also, I'd like to raise a question about the e.m.f. generated by a relative movemnet of the imposed magnetic field and the moving fluid. Why is it of order |\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{B}|? Does it come from Faraday's law?
 
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I couldn't understand all your doubts

i will post some comments which may help

the current density vector <br /> \mathbf{J}(\mathbf{r},t) <br />
need not be in the direction of u, it can be found in any direction. so u x B may not necessarily coincide with u.

may be in a wire the J is maximum in direction of u and it is of interest

the magnetic force component u x B is also responsible for genrating an emf. the equation used to arrive to this result should be faraday and maxwells equation.

i would like to read some material and give you a concrete explanation
 
In J = σ·E, σ is electrical conductance (ohm-m)-1.

In F = σ·V(E + v x B), σ is charge density (Coulombs per unit volume).

I think.

Bob S
 
suppose that the prescribed magnetic field \mathbf{B} = B_0 \hat{\mathbf{z}} is present..and suppose that ,at time t, at the origin of the inertial frame, a particle with charge q moves along the y-direction with velocity u..then the Lorentz force due to magnetic field is in the x-direction..and there is e.m.f generated around the origin..

then what is the current density at the origin at that time? is it not just q\mathbf{u}?
 

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