Deflection of suspended coil (fluxmeter)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the analysis of a fluxmeter, a device used for measuring magnetic fields, specifically focusing on the relationship between the suspended coil and the search coil. The key equations derived include the torque equation T=I∂Φ/∂θ and the resulting differential equation d²θ/dt² + a(dθ/dt) = 0, where a = k²/(RI_m). The participants express confusion regarding the expected deflection Δθ of the fluxmeter, with calculations suggesting either zero or infinite deflection under certain conditions, indicating a fundamental misunderstanding of the system's dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically the operation of fluxmeters.
  • Familiarity with differential equations and their applications in mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge of torque and its relationship with current in electrical circuits.
  • Basic principles of magnetic flux and its measurement techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the principles of torque in electromagnetic systems, focusing on fluxmeter design.
  • Study the derivation and solutions of nonlinear differential equations in mechanical systems.
  • Investigate the effects of restoring torque in suspended coil instruments.
  • Learn about the practical applications and limitations of fluxmeters in measuring magnetic fields.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and researchers involved in magnetic field measurement and instrumentation design will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


A fluxmeter is a device sometimes used for measuring magnetic fields. It is a suspended coil instrument in which the suspension has virtually no restoring twist. The instrument is used in series with a search coil which is removed from or rotated in the field to be measured. The fluxmeter coil and the search coil form a contiuous Circuit of total resistance ##R##. If the instrumental constant for the fluxmeter is ##k## (That is for small ##\theta## you can approximate the flux as ##\Phi = k \theta + \Phi_0##), determine the deflection ##\Delta \theta ## of the fluxmeter for a change of flux ##\Delta \Phi## through the search coil.

Homework Equations


\frac{d \Phi}{dt}=-V
I=V/R
T=I\frac{\partial \Phi}{\partial \theta}


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know what the relation is between the search coil and fluxmeter coil, but i am first examinining the search coil. I use the relation ##\Phi = k \theta + \Phi_0## to give
\frac{d \Phi}{dt}=k \frac{d \theta}{dt}=-V
which leads to the current in the curcuit
I=V/R=-\frac{k d \theta / dt}{R}
Now there is a torque on the coil given by
T=I\frac{\partial \Phi}{\partial \theta}=Ik=-\frac{k^2 d \theta / dt}{R}
And from the laws of mechanics it is given by
T= I_m \frac{d^2\theta}{dt^2}
Where ##I_m## is the moment of inertia for the Circuit. This leads to the differential equation
\frac{d^2 \theta}{dt^2}+a\frac{d \theta}{dt}=0
where ##a=\frac{k^2}{RI_m}##. The solution is
\frac{d \theta}{dt}=Ce^{-at}=\omega (t)
But since ## \omega (0) = 0## then ##C=0## so ##\theta = constant## and there is no deflection at all in the search coil. So (if this is right) why should there be a deflection in the fluxmeter?
 
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Since no one else is responding:

This description of a fluxmeter doesn't match anything I've looked at. There seem to be two coils, why I can't imagine.

Anyway, if the expression is flux = k(theta) + flux0 for small angles theta, then maybe it's proper to assume that for larger angles theta the expression is flux = k sin(theta) + flux0.

So then, solve for theta in the above expression.
 
rude man said:
Since no one else is responding:

Yes i guess it is hard even for trained physicists. Or maybe I screwed it up so much no one wants to help.

rude man said:
This description of a fluxmeter doesn't match anything I've looked at. There seem to be two coils, why I can't imagine.

No I don't understand it either. Thats why I ask for help

rude man said:
Anyway, if the expression is flux = k(theta) + flux0 for small angles theta, then maybe it's proper to assume that for larger angles theta the expression is flux = k sin(theta) + flux0.

So then, solve for theta in the above expression.

According to my calculations above this would lead to the very unlinear differential equation
\frac{d^2 \theta}{dt^2}+\frac{k^2}{R I_m} \cos^2 \theta \frac{d \theta}{dt}=0
This is obviously too difficult to solve (for a textbook problem).

But let's say there is a restoring torque per unit twist ##\alpha##. Then
T=I\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial \theta}=\cos^2 \theta \frac{d \theta}{dt} k^2/R=\alpha \Delta \theta
and for ##\alpha=0##, as stated in the problem, I get an infinite ##\Delta \theta##, that is it never stops spinning.

So I never seem to get a finite value (either zero or infinite) for ##\Delta \theta##. That's a big problem. But if no one wants or can help me there is nothing I can do about it.
 

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