Magnetic Circuit Problem Involving a Solenoid and Plunger

[Bizkit]

Homework Statement

The problem can be found http://whites.sdsmt.edu/classes/ee382/homework/382Homework1.pdf" (the last one), along with a picture of the circuit.

Homework Equations

R = l/(µS)

mmf = NI = ΨR

B = Ψ/S

The Attempt at a Solution

I've never done a problem like this before. I've looked for information and example problems to help me do it in my book and online, but I haven't found anything that can help me. The part about it that really confuses me is the use of the plunger. Does it move? If it does, how do I know what the length of the gap is? If it doesn't, do I just ignore the part of the plunger that is below the rest of the circuit because it acts like an open circuit (I don't know if that's true or not)? I was hoping someone here could help me figure out what to do. Thanks.

 

[Maxim Zh]

The basics of the magnetic-electric analogy are here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_circuit"

The equivalent electric scheme for your task is attached.

The MMF is

<br /> \varepsilon = IN<br />

The magnetic resistances are

<br /> R_1 = \frac{h - l_p - l_g}{\mu_c w^2};<br />

<br /> R_2 = \frac{2h - l_s}{\mu_c w^2};<br />

<br /> R_s = \frac{l_s}{\mu_0 w^2};<br />

<br /> R_p = \frac{l_p}{\mu_p w^2};<br />

<br /> R_g = \frac{l_g}{\mu_0 w^2}.<br />

The total magnetic resistance is calculated like the corresponding electrical resistance:

<br /> R = R_1 + \frac{R_2 + R_s}{2} + R_p + R_g.<br />

Then the magnetic flux is

<br /> \Phi = \frac{\varepsilon}{R}.<br />

how do I know what the length of the gap is?

l_p is the length of the upper part of the plunger. So there is no problem.

do I just ignore the part of the plunger that is below the rest of the circuit?

yes

 

[Bizkit]

Thanks for the reply. I'm pretty sure I understand what to do now.