Energy of a magnet/iron system (eg. gauss rifle)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy of a magnet and iron system, specifically using the equation dE = 1/2B^2/µdv. The user seeks to understand how to determine the change in potential energy between different configurations of magnets and iron pieces. They express difficulty in finding resources that explain the calculations involved in such systems and acknowledge the complexity of the magnetic interactions. The conversation highlights the potential for using finite element analysis for more complicated configurations, although it is noted that this may not be practical for simple setups.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and their interactions
  • Familiarity with the equation dE = 1/2B^2/µdv
  • Basic knowledge of finite element analysis (FEA)
  • Concepts of potential energy in magnetic systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research finite element analysis techniques for magnetic field simulations
  • Study the principles of magnetic potential energy calculations
  • Explore software tools for magnetic field visualization, such as COMSOL Multiphysics
  • Learn about different configurations of magnets and their energy interactions
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or engineering, hobbyists interested in magnetism, and anyone looking to understand the energy dynamics of magnet-iron systems.

Wxfsa
Messages
22
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I want to calculate the energy of a system of iron pieces and a magnet on an axis. The configuration can be thought to be like this: http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2011/12/drawingskey1.jpg

Homework Equations


dE = 1/2B^2/µdv

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried very hard to find a source which explain the calculations of magnet+iron systems but I really couldn't find anything useful. I want to learn to calculate the change in potential energy between the two systems shown in the image above (and possibly more complicated configurations)
I can imagine that the magnetic field wants to go through the iron, making the field stronger when iron is closer to the magnet but i can not even begin to calculate how much.
This may or may not be a problem that can be solved by hand (I am posting this here because I thought this was a homework type question) Reasonable assumptions, and idealizations probably must be made. Shapes of the magnets and iron can be changed for easier calculations.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Calculating the potential energy of magnets and magnetic things is messy - you can do a finite element analysis, but this is nothing you want to do just for a toy.
 

Similar threads

How does spin magnetization affect energy configurations in non-ideal systems?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Determine the force with which the magnetic field of a coil acts on an infinitesimal cube of iron
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Magnetic Field of Uniformly Magnetized Infinite Slab
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
High School Why does a magnet attract metal objects?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Can Magnets Provide Infinite Energy for Weight Training?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
How to measure the magnetic field/ induced fem in a system
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Prevent a robotic cleaner from climbing on a block of iron with a magnet?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
High School Magnetic force driving a small iron ball
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Iron core barely boosting field strength
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
8K
Statistical physics and magnetization
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K