Why Is Calculating Reluctance with an Air Gap Confusing?

AI Thread Summary
Calculating reluctance with an air gap can be confusing due to the need to account for both the core and the air gap's reluctance. The relative permeability of the core material is essential for accurate calculations, and using the correct values for permeability is crucial. The reluctance of the air gap is typically much higher than that of the core, which can lead to significant differences in results if not properly considered. Additionally, the relationship between magnetic flux, reluctance, and magnetomotive force (mmf) must be understood to correctly analyze the circuit. Overall, careful attention to the calculations and the properties of the materials involved is necessary for accurate results.
JoeMarsh2017
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Homework Statement


upload_2017-1-15_10-44-6.png


Homework Equations


Reluctance = small "L"/mu*A

The Attempt at a Solution


I went the route of using B/H=Mu ...since we know that B=1.2Tesla's and Mu=4pi*10^-7 we arrive at our "magnetic field intensity "H" as 954,929.7 H"

BUT if I am trying to find Reluctance... then we have to consider the air gap...Im getting lost because the mean length would small "L" + air gap? Right?

This should be so simple but I am missing something...
Utilizing the magnetization curve is also confusing for me..see picture
upload_2017-1-15_10-53-11.png

Thanks for your help in advance, I am stuck, willing to ask for help, and I want to learn!

JOE[/B]
 
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We also have
upload_2017-1-15_10-56-10.png
 
JoeMarsh2017 said:
We also have View attachment 111613
Hi Joe.. Welcome to PF!

You can get the value of relative permeability of the core for B=1.2T from the magnetization graph.
Once you have the relative permeability of the core, all you need to do is simplify the magnetic circuit.
 
upload_2017-1-15_10-53-11-png.111612.png


I think then, if I go across from 1.2T, the Relative Perm = 6000 ?
 
JoeMarsh2017 said:
upload_2017-1-15_10-53-11-png.111612.png


I think then, if I go across from 1.2T, the Relative Perm = 6000 ?
Yes.
 
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Ok..So that means MUr=Mu/Mu(zero) = 6000/4pi*10^-7 =4.712x10^-4 which = Mu
*A
I can now go into my Reluctance formula Fancy "R" =small "L" / Mu*A to figure my Reluctance for the core

then-
Lcore - 52cm which converts to 0.0052 m/4.712x10^-4 x 0.0018 = 0.001986 Reluctance of Lcore
Lgap -14cm which converts to 0.0014 m/4.712x10^-4 x .0018 = 0.005348 Reluctance of Lgap

Add them together for Total series Reluctance = 0.001986+0.005348 = 0.007334 Total Reluctance
 
flux x reluctance= number of turns x current

flux x reluctance/number of turns =current

Then I know the current
 
once I know the current, I can multiply against the 64 ohms resistance to tell me the voltage across the gap?
In my head this seems way too easy!
JOE
 
OK=nexy questions, now my brain wheels are turning...

Since this magnetic circuit is a series circuit, is the gap creating a Positive top part of the core, and a negative bottom part of the core! This would explain why the voltage drop is across the gap.. Am I right?

JOE
 
  • #10
JoeMarsh2017 said:
once I know the current, I can multiply against the 64 ohms resistance to tell me the voltage across the gap? **voltage of the battery** There's no voltage across the gap.
In my head this seems way too easy!
JOE
Right.
JoeMarsh2017 said:
OK=nexy questions, now my brain wheels are turning...

Since this magnetic circuit is a series circuit, is the gap creating a Positive top part of the core, and a negative bottom part of the core! This would explain why the voltage **mmf** drop is across the gap.. Am I right?

JOE
Right. You can see that the mmf drop Φxs is very high across the air gap.
 
  • #11
I see.. Yes Voltage is the Battery "E" which is applied across the winding's at 64 Ohms..

The question for the problem=
upload_2017-1-15_13-45-25.png

Since I know the current now, and I have the resistance, I now know the voltage at the battery
 
  • #12
JoeMarsh2017 said:
I see.. Yes Voltage is the Battery "E" which is applied across the winding's at 64 Ohms..

The question for the problem=View attachment 111615
Since I know the current now, and I have the resistance, I now know the voltage at the battery
Right.
I didn't check your earlier calculations but your steps are all correct. Check the reluctance values again. I think air gap reluctance should be very high.
 
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  • #13
upload_2017-1-15_14-23-29.png
 
  • #14
JoeMarsh2017 said:
That doesn't look right. Voltage and current are too small.
JoeMarsh2017 said:
Ok..So that means MUr=Mu/Mu(zero) = 6000/4pi*10^-7 =4.712x10^-4 which = Mu
*A
No. You should use the absolute permittivity μ, which is μ0μr.
This was making your reluctances very small.
 
  • #15
JoeMarsh2017 said:
We also have View attachment 111613
First thing is to realize that the permeabilty of space is << any permeability in your iron or whatever your core comprises. So compute the reluctance of the air gap, then flux x reluctance = mmf = Hi.

If they want you to include the effects of finite core reluctance, shame on them! :smile:
 

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