How to calculate force caused by magnets?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the force between neodymium magnets and iron surfaces using specific equations. The primary equations referenced are F = μo * H² * A / 2 and F = B² * A / (2 * μo), where H represents magnetic field strength in A/m and B denotes magnetic induction in Tesla. The relationship between H and B is clarified, emphasizing that B = μ * H. Additionally, the calculation of force can be refined using the formula F = dE/dV, where E is magnetic energy and V is the volume of the airgap between magnets.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic field strength (H) and magnetic induction (B)
  • Familiarity with the concepts of magnetic energy density
  • Basic knowledge of neodymium magnets and their properties
  • Ability to perform calculations involving energy and volume
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of neodymium magnets and their applications
  • Learn about magnetic field strength and induction in detail
  • Explore the derivation and applications of the formula F = dE/dV
  • Investigate the impact of airgap on magnetic force calculations
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Engineers, physicists, and hobbyists interested in magnetism, particularly those calculating forces between magnets and other materials.

maglove
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I am trying to calculate the forces between a simple sphere neodymium magnet on other iron surfaces and magnets. I did a lot of research but still not sure what equation to use or how to apply them. I found the following equations here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Force_between_magnets)
F = μo* H² *A/2 = B² *A/(2*μo)
i am not sure what H and B are, how they are used and what is the difference between them. Also if perhaps there is a better equation (with the reference) for spherical magnets. I just want an estimate so the simpler the better. Thanks in advance
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maglove said:
i am not sure what H and B are, how they are used and what is the difference between them.
H is the magnetic field strength, [ A/m ], that can be compared to electric voltage

B is the magnetic induction, [ Tesla ], that can be compared to elctric current density.

So the magnetic flux, [ Wb ], = ∫ B⋅dA can be compared to electric current.

The magnetic energy density = ½*B*H [ J/m3 ]. Through and between two magnets, the B-field will be constant ( as current through resistors in series ). But the H-field will not be constant ( as voltage across different resistors in series ). The H-field will be much higher in the airgap between two magnets, than inside the magnets, due to different magnetic permeabilities inside/outside the magnets.

B = μ * H → H = B / μ

Hence the magnetic energy density will be much higher in the airgap than in the magnets.

Now, the nature wants to get rid of high magnetic energy density, one way or another. So if the airgap could be substituted by magnet, the energy density will be lowered. That's why the magnets attrack each other.

Knowing the magnetic energy densities inside/outside the magnets and the volume of the airgap, You can calculate the force by:

F = dE/dV

where E is the energy and V is the volume of the airgap. In other words: How much magnetic energy will be used, when two magnets are closed up 1 mm.

If you calculate that, you will come up with something like your wiki-formula.
 
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