Magnetic field for azimuthal current

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field generated by an azimuthal current density defined in a spherical shell S(a, b), where the current density is expressed as J = f(r, θ) ∧φ. The user seeks a simple yet non-trivial function f(r, θ) that allows for an analytical solution, but encounters complex integrals when applying the Biot-Savart law. The discussion also highlights the derivation of the magnetic vector potential A using the current density and the subsequent calculation of the magnetic field B through the curl operation, specifically in regions inside and outside the shell.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of azimuthal current density and its representation in spherical coordinates.
  • Familiarity with the Biot-Savart law and its application in electromagnetic theory.
  • Knowledge of magnetic vector potential and its relationship to magnetic fields.
  • Basic concepts of angular momentum and charge density in rotating systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore analytical solutions for magnetic fields in spherical coordinates.
  • Study the application of the Biot-Savart law in various geometries.
  • Learn about the derivation and implications of the magnetic vector potential A.
  • Investigate the effects of charge density and angular velocity on current distributions.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism, particularly those interested in the behavior of magnetic fields generated by rotating charge distributions.

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I am working with a current density defined in a spherical shell S(a, b) (inner radius a and outer radius b). The current density is completely in the azimuthal direction:

[tex]J = f(r,\theta) \hat{\phi}[/tex]

I am trying to pick some simple (but non-trivial) [tex]f(r,\theta)[/tex] so that the magnetic field has an analytical solution. All the functions I've tried lead to very complicated integrals in the Biot-Savart law, and I can't seem to find anything with enough symmetry to use an Ampere loop.

Does anyone know of any suggestions?
 
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Consider the shell carrying charge with uniform charge density ##\rho## and a volume element ##dV=r^2dr~\sin\theta d\theta~ d\phi##. If the shell spins with angular speed ##\omega##, the volume element produces an azimuthal current $$dI=\frac{dq}{dt}=\frac{\omega~dq}{2\pi}={\omega~\rho r^2~dr~\sin\theta d\theta};~~~~~(\omega=d\phi/dt)$$
The area element perpendicular to the azimuthal direction is ##dA=r~d\theta~dr## in which case you can write the current density as $$\vec J=\omega \rho r \sin\theta~\hat \phi=\rho~\vec {\omega} \times \vec r.$$
You get the magnetic fields both inside and outside the shell by using the current density to find the magnetic vector potential in the two regions (a) ##r>r'## outside and (b) ##r<r'## inside. $$\vec A(\vec r)=\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\int \frac{\vec J(\vec r')}{|\vec r-\vec r'|}~dV'$$Then ##\vec B=\vec {\nabla}\times \vec A##.
 

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