How Do You Determine the Permeability of Steel Screws Used in Electromagnets?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the permeability of steel screws used in electromagnets, specifically focusing on how to account for this property in calculations related to B-Field strength. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical measurement techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Jason O, seeks guidance on how to determine the permeability of common steel screws for use in electromagnet calculations, acknowledging the variability in permeability based on the BH Curve.
  • Another participant suggests that the screws are likely made of carbon steel, but notes the existence of various formulations with differing permeabilities, recommending reference to the manufacturer.
  • A different participant proposes measuring the permeability directly as a solution.
  • Another reply questions the feasibility of measurement without proper instrumentation and asks about the electrical instruments available for such measurements.
  • A later reply references a YouTube video that demonstrates how to create a gaussmeter using a multimeter and a compass, providing an alternative method for measurement.
  • Additionally, a link is provided to a resource that outlines a method for measuring magnetic permeability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to determine the permeability, with some advocating for direct measurement and others suggesting reliance on manufacturer specifications. No consensus is reached on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the uncertainty regarding the specific type of steel used in the screws and the implications this has for permeability values. There is also an acknowledgment of the need for appropriate instrumentation for measurement, which remains unspecified.

Jdo300
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Hello All,

I'm working on a project involving the use of electromagnets and I am trying to do some calculations to predict the B-Field strength of the coils I make. For the core, I'm just using some common 1/4-20 steel machine screws (the common ones you can get from Home Depot and Lowes) but I'm not sure how to account for the permeability of the steel in my calculations.

Does anyone have any idea how one might determine this information? I know that the material will not have a fixed value (BH Curve) but if I could know what kind of steel is used, that would help a lot. Does anyone have any idea about this?

Thanks,
Jason O
 
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The material is likely carbon steel. But there are many formulations of carbon steel with different permeabilities. You'll have to refer to the manufacturer.
 
Measure it. :)
 
I would just measure it, but that would require some instrumentation. What sort of electrical instruments do you have available to make measurements?
 

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