Slab of material in magnetic field. Determine magnetic field

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the magnetic field intensity within a large slab of material subjected to a uniform magnetic field. The participants explore two scenarios: one where the slab has a magnetic permeability and another where the slab acts as a permanent magnet with a defined magnetization vector. The focus is on applying relevant equations and boundary conditions to analyze the magnetic behavior in both cases.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to start solving the problem and seeks hints, mentioning boundary conditions related to magnetic fields.
  • Another participant suggests that there are simple equations relating magnetic field B to magnetic field intensity H and magnetization M, prompting further exploration of these relationships.
  • Participants present equations connecting B, H, and M, indicating that B can be expressed in terms of H and M, but the directionality of these vectors is questioned, particularly in the context of the two scenarios presented.
  • Discussion includes the need to analyze the behavior of H at the boundary of the slab and how it relates to the absence of actual current piercing the integration loop, which is relevant for understanding the magnetic field distribution.
  • Clarification is made that while H, B, and M are collinear, they do not necessarily point in the same direction, which is critical for the analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the specific relationships and directions of the magnetic fields in the two scenarios. There are multiple viewpoints on how to approach the problem, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the boundary conditions and the equations presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the boundary conditions and the implications of the magnetic properties of the slab, particularly regarding the directionality of the vectors involved. There are unresolved mathematical steps related to the integration loop and the behavior of H at the boundary.

SalcinNossle
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Homework Statement



A very large slab of material of thickness d lies perpendicularly to a uniform magnetic field \vec H_0 = \vec a_zH_0, where \vec a_z is the unit vector in the z-direction. Determine the magnetic field intensity (ignoring edge effect) in the slab:

a) if the slab material has a magnetic permeability μ

b) if the slab is a permanent magnet having magnetization vector \vec M_i = \vec a_zM_i2. The attempt at a solution

I really don't know how start with this. I just want some hints, would be very appreciated!

I tried looking at the boundary conditions,

μ_1H_{1n}=μ_2H_{2n},

and

\vec a_{n2}\times(\vec H_1 - \vec H_2)=\vec J_s,

but I couldn't get anywhere.. :( Help!
 
Last edited:
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a) There's a very simple equation relating B to H. What is it?
b) There's a still simple equation relating B, H and M. What is it?
 
\vec H=\vec B/μ \rightarrow \vec B_0/μ=μ_0\vec a_zH_0/μ

and

\vec H =\vec B/μ_0- \vec M \rightarrow \vec H=μ_0\vec a_zH_0/μ_0-\vec M_i=\vec a_z(H_0-M_i)

Thank you!
 
Last edited:
SalcinNossle said:
\vec H=\vec B/μ \rightarrow \vec B_0/μ=μ_0\vec a_zH_0/μ

and

\vec H =\vec B/μ_0- \vec M \rightarrow \vec H=μ_0\vec a_zH_0/μ_0-\vec M_i=\vec a_z(H_0-M_i)

Thank you!
So we have B = μ0(H + M)
where B, H and M are all vectors, not necessarily pointing in the same direction.

In part (a) you have magnetic material but not a permanent magnet. So what is the relative direction between B and H? In other words, do they add or subtract?

In part (b) you have to analyze the permanent magnet in terms of magnetizing or Amperian currents, which changes some of the vectors' directions with respect to each other, so they may not all just add. You mentioned one boundary condition which boils down to B1n = B2n. But there is also a boundary condition on H. What does H do at the boundary? If you draw an integration loop which crosses the surface, you know that ∫H ds around this path = 0 since there is no actual current piercing this loop. It's a bit difficult but you can figure out what the direction of H has to do to satisfy this integral (or you can look it up! :smile:).

BTW H, B and M are all collinear but do not necessarily point in the same direction.
 

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