# Eddy currents

Pranav Jha
i know i haven't understood the concept of eddy current and that is why i am posting this question:
why are EDDY currents CIRCULAR (why form a loop in circular form)?

"When time-varying magnetic field is applied to electrical machines like transformers, a time-varying emf is induced in the transformer cores(i get this). A SHORT CIRCUIT OCCURS AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL IN THE CORE(this, i don't quiet understand)"

The actual shape of the eddy currents depends on the structure and geometry of the system that is generating them,and can be found by the application of Lenz's law and or by applying the Lorentz force equation.

Pranav Jha
The actual shape of the eddy currents depends on the structure and geometry of the system that is generating them,and can be found by the application of Lenz's law and or by applying the Lorentz force equation.

what confuses me is most sources state the eddy currents being circular.

what confuses me is most sources state the eddy currents being circular.

I have a vague memory of hearing that sort of statement before and I think it was in connection with the eddy currents that would be generated in the iron core of a transformer if it were solid rather than laminated.Hopefully someone will come in and elaborate on these circular currents but in the meantime a little bit of research is needed.

Pranav,I now think that the relevant word I recall is "circulating".Although this can mean moving in a circle it can also mean,in the context of your question,moving through a circuit and returning to the starting point.Having thought about this briefly my first impression is that the eddy currents in an unlaminated core have a complex shape which spirals.

Bob S
i know i haven't understood the concept of eddy current and that is why i am posting this question:
why are EDDY currents CIRCULAR (why form a loop in circular form)?

$$\oint_C\bold{E\cdot}d\bold{\ell} = -\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\int_S \bold{B\cdot n}\;\;dS$$