- #1
James O'Neill
- 19
- 0
If you put magnets in a gear (like in an Internal Permanent Magnet motor), what effect would the gear's teeth have on the magnetic fields?
Magnetic Fields & Gears: How Magnets Affect Gear Teeth
- Thread starter James O'Neill
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the effects of incorporating magnets into gear systems, particularly in the context of Internal Permanent Magnet motors. Participants explore how magnetic fields interact with gear teeth, the implications for gear movement, and potential mechanical issues arising from such configurations.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that if gears are metallic and conductive, they may experience magnetic damping, which could resist rotation due to eddy currents generated in the material.
- There is a proposal that the presence of magnets could interfere with the contact area of the gear teeth, potentially preventing the gear from turning.
- Another viewpoint indicates that while magnetic fields will pass between gears, the physical contact may still occur despite possible repulsion effects.
- Concerns are raised about the attraction of metal particles to the gear teeth, which could lead to increased wear and damage.
- Participants inquire about specific configurations, such as the number of teeth on the gear and the orientation of the magnets, to better understand the effects being contemplated.
- One participant notes that the alternation of magnetic polarity could lead to a "cogging" effect, which might negatively impact the performance of the gears.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the implications of using magnets in gears, with some highlighting potential mechanical issues while others focus on the interaction of magnetic fields and gear movement. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall effects and practical applications.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the need for more specific details about the gear configuration, such as the number of teeth and the arrangement of magnets, which may influence the outcomes discussed.
- #2
a1call
- 90
- 5
Not sure if I understand the question but, assuming the gears are metallic/conductive they will resist rotation in presence of the magnetic field due to magnetic damping
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_damping
Which is due to the eddy currents produced in the conducting material.
The effect is surprisingly pronounced and has been used for breaking systems as well as slowing falls from tall buildings.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_damping
Which is due to the eddy currents produced in the conducting material.
The effect is surprisingly pronounced and has been used for breaking systems as well as slowing falls from tall buildings.
- #3
James O'Neill
- 19
- 0
Yes, you understand correctly. The gear is a conductor. Let's see if I understand correctly.
If you put magnets in a gear, the gear won't turn, because the magnetic fields interfere with the contact area of the gear teeth against each other?
If you put magnets in a gear, the gear won't turn, because the magnetic fields interfere with the contact area of the gear teeth against each other?
- #4
Baluncore
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Magnetic fields will pass between gears through the moving contact areas on the teeth, but the possible repulsion will probably not prevent physical contact.James O'Neill said:
Metal particles may be picked up by the magnetic gears and moved to the contact area where they can do most damage.
You really must better specify the number of teeth on the gear wheel, the number of magnets and their orientation with respect to the teeth.
What effect are you contemplating ?
- #5
- #6
Baluncore
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Are the magnets bar magnets? Which ends are the N poles and which are the S poles.
- #7
James O'Neill
- 19
- 0
Yes, bar magnets. Every second magnet's north pole is facing outward.
- #8
Baluncore
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The magnets would attract abrasive particles to the very worst place possible and so reduce the life of the gears.
Meanwhile, the gear wheel would exhibit an effect like “cogging” due to the alternation of magnetic polarity.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cogging_torque
Nothing good will come of magnets in gears.
Meanwhile, the gear wheel would exhibit an effect like “cogging” due to the alternation of magnetic polarity.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cogging_torque
Nothing good will come of magnets in gears.
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