Stopping Ice Formation on Surfaces: The Power of Electric Fields

AI Thread Summary
The discussion explores the feasibility of using electromagnetic fields to prevent ice formation on cold surfaces. Time-varying electromagnetic fields, like those from microwaves, can generate heat and potentially melt ice. Static electric fields may polarize ice, possibly affecting its melting point, while static magnetic fields are unlikely to influence temperature due to ice's diamagnetic properties. The conversation highlights the need for more specific questions and expertise in material science to fully address the topic. Overall, the concept of using electromagnetic fields to manage ice formation is deemed theoretically possible but requires further investigation.
cippy31
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hi guys, brand-new simpleton here.
Quick question: would it be possible to stop ice formation on a cold surface with an electromagnetic field? How strong should it be (if possible)?
Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Time varying EM fields that is an EM Wave definitely would melt ice, as it produces heat. I am not sure about static Electric or Magnetic Field.
 
You mean kinda like a microwave oven? Hmmmm...yes, that might work.
Thank you!
 
So did you get what you were looking for? As i don't think i have answered it completely. Even the question seems incomplete to me. It doesn't have relevant data.
 
I think so, but if you or someone else wants to intervene some more I certainly don't mind.
Actually I was trying to understand if the concept at large was feasible or not, theoretically speaking.
 
cippy31 said:
I think so, but if you or someone else wants to intervene some more I certainly don't mind.
Actually I was trying to understand if the concept at large was feasible or not, theoretically speaking.

Okay, as i read the question again it seems to be more related to 'MATERIAL SCIENCE'. As i am an Electrical engineering student i don't study much of Material Science. But i am sure there are many people here at PF who are good at it. And they would help you understand this if you ask the right question. I mean the question you asked is incomplete. Still i will try to answer this and i would appreciate if someone expert in Material science corrects me.

Electrically Ice is non conducting Dielectric material.
Magnetically it is Diamagnetic.

How i think Electromagnetic field will effect ice?

1) Time varying EM Fields, the simplest example is sun light, it would definitely effect the temperature of ICE as i told you earlier.

2) Static Electric Field: It would effect it effect it as it affects a dielectric material. It will polarize it. Whether it will raise the temperature or not? I haven't studied it. But i think it will, because as we increase the strength of Electric Field the the polarisation will increase and this can effect the melting/boiling point of water

3) Static Magnetic Field: A diamagnetic material isn't affected by Magnetic Filed. So i don't think it would affect temperature.

I have just said things which i can remember from my first year and high school. Sorry i can't help further.
 

Thread 'Maxwell stress tensor'

This is from Griffiths' Electrodynamics, 3rd edition, page 352. I am trying to calculate the divergence of the Maxwell stress tensor. The tensor is given as ##T_{ij} =\epsilon_0 (E_iE_j-\frac 1 2 \delta_{ij} E^2)+\frac 1 {\mu_0}(B_iB_j-\frac 1 2 \delta_{ij} B^2)##. To make things easier, I just want to focus on the part with the electrical field, i.e. I want to find the divergence of ##E_{ij}=E_iE_j-\frac 1 2 \delta_{ij}E^2##. In matrix form, this tensor should look like this...
View full post »
Thread 'Applying the Gauss (1835) formula for force between 2 parallel DC currents'

Thread 'Applying the Gauss (1835) formula for force between 2 parallel DC currents'

Please can anyone either:- (1) point me to a derivation of the perpendicular force (Fy) between two very long parallel wires carrying steady currents utilising the formula of Gauss for the force F along the line r between 2 charges? Or alternatively (2) point out where I have gone wrong in my method? I am having problems with calculating the direction and magnitude of the force as expected from modern (Biot-Savart-Maxwell-Lorentz) formula. Here is my method and results so far:- This...
View full post »

Similar threads

B Electric Field Created by a Finite Plate
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Discontinuity of Electric field
Replies
7
Views
1K
I Tangential electric force at a surface
Replies
3
Views
2K
A Voltage and current waves in a transmission line
Replies
4
Views
3K
I Relation between electric & magnetic fields in terms of field strength
Replies
41
Views
6K
I Induced Electric and Magnetic Fields Creating Each Other
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Video: 'How electricity actually works'
Replies
30
Views
3K
Induced Electrical Field (Maxwell-Faraday's Law)
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Seeking the Equation of Motion for a charged mass attached to a spring
Replies
22
Views
3K
I Will insulation on electric power lines affect the flow of power?
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top