Calculating Electromagnetic Force between Two Magnets for Disc Holding

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of force between two electromagnets and the use of permanent magnets to hold metallic discs together. The calculations are complicated and require a detailed understanding of the setup, making it difficult to provide a simple example or use an online calculator. The suggestion is to build a small model and take measurements or use a combination of permanent and electromagnets to avoid mechanical damage. The question is posed as a thought experiment rather than a real-world problem.
  • #1
physior
182
1
hello

I want to calculate the force exerted between two electromagnets, based on their current

I want to hold two metallic discs together, how much force can I exert between them with electromagnetism?

is this something simple?

any hint?

thanks!
 
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  • #2
Those calculations are complicated, and the result will depend on many details of the setup.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
Those calculations are complicated, and the result will depend on many details of the setup.
can you give me an example at least?
for example electrical current 1kAmpere is required to exert a force of 1kNewton
isn't there an online calculator, simulator to play with?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
physior said:
for example electrical current 1kAmpere is required to exert a force of 1kNewton
If it would be that easy it would not be complicated. You'll need a detailed 3D model of your setup, various material constants, probably numerical simulations in two or three dimensions and so on.
There is no way to even make a rough approximation without knowing how your setup looks like, and that's not something you can feed into an online tool in general.

It can be easier to just measure it.
 
  • #5
physior said:
can you give me an example at least?
for example electrical current 1kAmpere is required to exert a force of 1kNewton
isn't there an online calculator, simulator to play with?
Build a small model, take measurements, then scale it up. If it will involve large currents for long durations, then heating of the electromagnet is going to be a major factor.

An alternative might be to use powerful permanent magnets to hold things together long term, with an electromagnet to briefly oppose the field of the Neodymium Magnets so the discs can be swapped in/out. Try to avoid mechanically jarring permanent magnets, that can eventually weaken them, I believe. It might be feasible to slowly power down the electromagnet so that it cushions any slamming together of the neodymiums. :)

Is this along the lines of a thought experiment, or do you have a real-world problem to solve?
 

FAQ: Calculating Electromagnetic Force between Two Magnets for Disc Holding

How do you calculate the electromagnetic force between two magnets?

The electromagnetic force between two magnets can be calculated using the formula F = (μ0 * m1 * m2) / (4π * d^2), where F is the force in Newtons, μ0 is the permeability of free space, m1 and m2 are the magnetic dipole moments of the two magnets, and d is the distance between them.

What is the unit of measurement for electromagnetic force?

The unit of measurement for electromagnetic force is Newtons (N), which is the SI unit for force.

How does the distance between two magnets affect the electromagnetic force?

The electromagnetic force between two magnets is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This means that as the distance between the magnets increases, the force decreases.

Can the shape or size of the magnets affect the electromagnetic force between them?

Yes, the shape and size of the magnets can affect the electromagnetic force between them. This is because the magnetic dipole moment of a magnet is dependent on its shape and size. Therefore, the force between two magnets may vary depending on their shapes and sizes.

How is the permeability of free space related to the electromagnetic force between two magnets?

The permeability of free space, denoted by μ0, is a constant that represents the ability of a vacuum to support the formation of magnetic fields. It is directly related to the electromagnetic force between two magnets, as seen in the formula for calculating the force. A higher permeability value leads to a stronger force between the magnets.

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