Induction heating theory clarification

[pstreufert]

Hi all,

I'm trying to understand induction heating, specifically if there can be inductive heating without a coil, simply power applied through a hairpin-shaped resistor. Imagine a big hair-pin-shaped resistor with power applied to one leg - near the bottom of these legs are small metal pieces. Is there any way the metal pieces can be heated by induction through such a setup? I'm a mechanical engineer, so electrical stuff was long ago and far away!

Thanks!

Patty

 

[gsal]

Potentially, I guess it could happen...depending on the current level and the closeness in space...

Assuming that you are using AC through your resistor, one could say that you have a 1-turn coil, and so, it will induce currents on neighboring steel pieces...it is just that it will probably not be a very large current.

When induction heating is done on purpose, one makes sure to have A LOT of current (ampere-turns), by putting a lot of turns of low resistance without having to put out a large current (amperes).