Unit 1 - MAGNETIC CIRCUIT Marks – 10

CO - Use principles of magnetic circuits.

 Define following terms:

1. Magnetic circuit: A magnetic circuit is made up of one or more closed loop paths
containing a magnetic flux. The flux is usually generated by permanent magnets
or electromagnets and confined to the path by magnetic cores consisting of ferromagnetic
materials like iron, although there may be air gaps or other materials in the path.

2. Magnetic Flux: The number of magnetic lines of forces set up in a magnetic circuit is
called Magnetic Flux. Its SI unit is Weber (Wb) and its CGS unit is Maxwell. It is
denoted by φm.

3. Flux density: The amount of flux passing through a unit area at right angles to the
magnetic field lines is called as flux density (B).
Flux density is measured in Tesla (T) where 1 T = 1 Wbm-2.
B = Φ/A

4. Magnetomotive force: The magnetic pressure, which sets up the magnetic flux in
a magnetic circuit is called Magnetomotive Force. The unit of MMF is Ampere-turn
(AT).
MMF = NI
Where, N – numbers of turns of inductive coil I – current
5. Magnetic field strength: The force experienced by a unit north pole placed at any point
in a magnetic field is known as magnetic field strength at that point. It is also called field
intensity or magnetizing force.
It units is newton per weber (N/Wb) or amperes per meter (A/m) .
H = B/ µ
6. Permeability: Magnetic permeability is the ability of a material to respond to how much
electromagnetic flux it can support to pass through itself within an applied
electromagnetic field. Permeability is denoted by µ.
Absolute permiability

Relative Permeability: The ratio of the permeability of a given material or medium, to

the permeability of free space.
Permeability of free space
μr = μ/μ0.

7. Reluctance: Reluctance is the resistance to the flow of magnetic flux in a magnetic

circuit. Its unit is AT/Wb. It is demoted by ‘S’.
S = MMF/ Φ
S = N*I / φ

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
8. Permeance – The reciprocal of the magnetic reluctance is known as the
magnetic permeance. It is given by the expression

2. Electric and magnetic circuits:

Electric Circuit
Magnetic Circuit

Path traced by the current is known as Path traced by the magnetic flux is called
electric current. as magnetic circuit.

EMF is the driving force in the electric MMF is the driving force in the magnetic
circuit. The unit is Volts. circuit. The unit is ampere turns.

There is a current I in the electric circuit There is flux φ in the magnetic circuit which
which is measured in amperes. is measured in the weber.

The flow of electrons decides the current The number of magnetic lines of force
in conductor. decides the flux.

Resistance (R) oppose the flow of the Reluctance (S) is oppose the flow of
current. magnetic flux.
The unit is Ohm The Unit is ampere turn/weber.

R = ρ. l/a. S = l/ (μ0μra).
Directly proportional to l. Directly proportional to l. Inversely
Inversely proportional to a. proportional to μ = μ0μr.

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
 Depends on nature of material. Inversely proportional to a

The current I = EMF/ Resistance The Flux = MMF/ Reluctance

The current density The flux density

Permeance Conductance

Permeability Conductivity

3. Series and parallel magnetic circuits:

3.1 Series Magnetic Circuit
The Series Magnetic Circuit is defined as the magnetic circuit having a number of parts
of different dimensions and materials carrying the same magnetic field.
 Consider a circular coil or solenoid having different dimensions as shown in
the figure below.
 Current I is passed through the solenoid having N number of turns wound on
the one section of the circular coil. Φ is the flux, sets up in the core of the coil.
 a1, a2, a3 are the cross-sectional area and l1, l2, l3 are the length of the three
different coils having different dimension joined together in series.
 µr1, µr2, µr3 are the relative permeability of the material of the circular coil.

 The total reluctance (S) of the magnetic circuit is

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
  Total MMF = φ x S ……..…. (1)
 Putting the value of S in equation (1) we get

 (As B = φ/a) putting the valve of B in the equation (2) we obtain the following
equation for the total MMF

 Total MMF = H1l1 + H2l2 + H3l3 + ……….. + Hnln

3.2 Parallel Magnetic Circuit:

A magnetic circuit having two or more than two paths for the magnetic flux is called
a parallel magnetic circuit.

 The parallel magnetic circuit contains different dimensional areas and materials having
various numbers of paths.
 In such a circuit, each path requires the same MMF and the total flux divides between the
paths in inverse proportion to their reluctances.
 For such circuit,
Total flux φ = φ1 + φ2 + φ3 + ……. + φn …..(1)
Where φ1 , φ2 , φ3 are the fluxes in the individual paths.

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
 If S1, S2, S3 etc, are the reluctances of various parallel paths of the magnetic circuit, then
similar to electric circuits, the equivalent reluctance S for parallel combination is given
by the relationship,

4. Important Formulae:
 Flux density B = φ/A
 Magnetomotive force MMF = NI
 Magnetic field strength H = B/ μ = NI / l
 Permeability μ = B/H
 Relative permeability μr = μ/μ0.
 Reluctance s = MMF/ φ = l / (μ0μra).

5. State Faraday’s laws of Electromagnetic induction:

 Faraday’s First Law:
This law states that whenever the number of lines of force linking with a circuit
changes, an emf is always induced in it; or whenever a conductor cuts or is cut by the
magnetic flux, an emf is always generated in it.

 Faraday’s Second Law:

It states that the magnitude of the induced emf in any circuit is proportional
to the rate of change of its flux linkages (flux x turns); or the magnitude of the generated
emf in any conductor is proportional to the rate at which it cuts or is cut by the magnetic
flux.

 Magnitude of induced emf:

 If the flux linking with a particular coil having N turns changes from φ1 to φ2 Webers in
small time of ‘t’ seconds, then
 Rate of change of flux linkages = (Final flux linkage) – (Initial flux linkage)
Time
= Nφ2 – Nφ1
t
 According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, the induced emf (e) is given by
e ∝ Rate of change of flux linkages
e ∝ = Nφ2 – Nφ1
t
e = KN (φ2 – φ1) Volts
t
where K is the constant of proportionality.

e=N

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
6. Direction of Induced EMF:
 Whenever, a current carrying conductor comes under a magnetic field, there will be a
force acting on the conductor and on the other hand, if a conductor is forcefully brought
under a magnetic field, there will be an induced current or EMF in that conductor.
 In both of the phenomenons, there is a relation between magnetic field, current and force.
 This relation is directionally determined by Fleming's Left Hand rule and Fleming's Right
Hand rule respectively.
 Fleming's Left Hand rule is mainly applicable for electric motor and Fleming's Right
Hand rule is mainly applicable for electric generator.

1. Fleming Right Hand Rule:

If a conductor is forcefully brought under a magnetic field, there will be an
induced current or EMF in that conductor. then direction of the induced current or EMF
is given by Fleming’s Right Hand Rule.
Statement:
Hold out the right hand with the first finger, second finger and
thumb at right angle to each other. If fore finger represents the direction of the line of
force, the thumb points in the direction of motion or applied force, then second finger
points in the direction of the induced current.

2. State Lenz’s law.

Lenz's law states that the direction of induced emf during the process of electromagnetic
induction is always such that it will set up a current to oppose the basic responsible for
inducing the emf.

The negative sign used in Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, indicates that the
induced emf and the change in magnetic flux have opposite signs.

3.
Explanation of Lenz's Law

For understanding Lenz's law, consider two cases :

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
CASE-I When a magnet is moving towards the coil.

When the north pole of the magnet is approaching towards the coil, the magnetic flux
linking to the coil increases. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction,
when there is change in flux, an emf and hence current is induced in the coil and this
current will create its own magnetic field . Now according to Lenz's law, this
magnetic field created will oppose its own or we can say opposes the increase in flux
through the coil and this is possible only if approaching coil side attains north
polarity, as we know similar poles repel each other. Once we know the magnetic
polarity of the coil side, we can easily determine the direction of the induced current
by applying right hand rule. In this case, the current flows in anticlockwise direction.

CASE-II When a magnet is moving away from the coil

When the north pole of the magnet is moving away from the coil, the magnetic flux
linking to the coil decreases. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic
induction, an emf and hence current is induced in the coil and this current will create
its own magnetic field. Now according to Lenz's law, this magnetic field created will
oppose its own or we can say opposes the decrease in flux through the coil and this is
possible only if approaching coil side attains south polarity, as we know dissimilar
poles attract each other.

Once we know the magnetic polarity of the coil side, we can easily determine the
direction of the induced current by applying right hand rule. In this case, the current
flows in clockwise direction.

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
 7. Types of induced EMF:

1. Dynamically Induced Emf:

In dynamically induced emf the magnetic field system is kept stationary, and the
conductor is moving, or the magnetic field system is moving, and the conductor is
stationary thus by following either of the two process the conductor cuts across the
magnetic field and the emf is induced in the coil.
 Magnitude of Dynamically Induced EMF:

 Suppose there is a uniform magnetic field of flux density B Weber per square metre.
Let us also consider a conductor of length l metre moves perpendicularly through this
magnetic field with a velocity ν metre per second through a distance dx meter.
 Hence the area swept by the conductor in one second is l*dx square metre. As the
conductor moves perpendicularly ν metre in every second
 Hence, flux cut by the conductor = l.dx X B,
 Rate of Change of Flux = B.l.dx/dt

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
  According to Faraday’s laws. The e.m.f induced in the conductor . And this induced
e.m.f is known as dynamically induced e.m.f.

As per Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, the induced EMF across the
conductor is

Instead of moving perpendicularly through the magnetic field, if the conductor moves in
a direction perpendicular to its own length and at an angle θ to the direction of magnetic
field, then there will be two components of the velocity of the conductor. One is parallel
to the magnetic field that is νcos θ and other is perpendicular to the magnetic field that is
&vn;sinθ. There is no voltage induced in the conductor due to parallel movement of the
conductor along the field. Blνsin θ can be considered as the flux cut by the conductor
perpendicularly. Hence the induced EMF of the conductor will be,

2. Statically Induced Emf:

This type of EMF is generated by keeping the coil and the magnetic field system,
both of them stationary at the same time; that means the change in flux linking with the
coil takes place without either moving the conductor (coil) or the field system. This
change of flux produced by the field system linking with the coil is obtained by changing
the electric current in the field system.
 Types of statically induced emf:
a. Self-induced emf:
Self-induced emf is the e.m.f induced in the coil due to the change of flux produced by
linking it with its own turns. This phenomenon of self-induced emf can be further
understood by the following example given below

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
 Consider a coil having N number of turns as shown in the above figure. When the switch
S is closed and current I flows through the coil, it produces flux (φ) linking with its own
turns. If the current flowing through the coil is changed by changing the value of variable
resistance (R), the flux linking with it, changes and hence emf is induced in the coil. This
induced emf is called Self Induced emf.
The direction of this induced emf is such that it opposes its vary own cause which
produces it, that means it opposes the change of current in the coil. This effect is because
of the Lenz’s Law. Since the rate of change of flux linking with the coil depends upon the
rate of current in the coil.

The magnitude of self induced emf is directly proportional to the rate of change of
current in the coil. L is constant of proportionality and called as Self Inductance or the
Coefficient of Self Inductance or Inductance of the coil.

Self Inductance (L)– Inductance of the coil is defined as the property of the coil due to
which it opposes the change of current flowing through it.

where,
N – number of turns in the coil
Φ – magnetic flux
I – current flowing through the coil
The unit of inductance is Henry (H).

b. Mutually Induced EMF

Definition: The emf induced in a coil due to the change of flux produced by another
neighboring coil linking to it, is called Mutually Induced emf.
Let us take an example to understand the phenomenon of mutually induced emf
Consider a coil AB. Coil B is having N2 number of turns and is placed near another coil
A having N1 number of turns as shown in the figure

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
When the switch (S) is closed in the circuit shown above current I1 flows through the coil
A, and it produces the fluxφ1. Most of the flux says φ12 links with the other coil B. If the
current flowing through the coil A is changed by changing the value of variable resistor
R, it changes flux linking with the other coil B and hence emf is induced in the coil. This
induced emf is called Mutually Induced emf

.
The direction of the induced emf is such that it opposes the cause which produces it, that
means it opposes the change of current in the first coil. This effect of opposition caused
by its own reason of production is called Lenz’s Law. A galvanometer (G) is connected
across the coil B for measuring the induced emf.

Magnitude of mutually Induced EMF:

Let, N1 = Number of turns of coil A

N2 = Number of turns of coil B

I1 = Current flowing through coil A

Φ1 = Flux producing due to current I1 in webers.

Φ2 = Flux linking with coil B

According to Faraday’s law, the induced e.m.f in coil B is,

E2 = -N2 (dΦ2/dt)

Negative sign indicates that this e.m.f. will set up a current which will oppose the change
of flux likning with it.

Now Φ2 = Φ2/I1 x I1
EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
If permeability of the surrounds is assumed constant then Φ2 ∝ I1 and hence Φ2/I1 is
constant.

∴ Rate of change of Φ2 = (Φ2/I1) x Rate of change of current I1

∴ dΦ2/dt = (Φ2/I1) x (dI1/dt)

E2 = -N2 x ( Φ2/I1) x (dI1/dt)

E2 = - (N2 Φ2/I1) (dI1/dt)

Here (N2 Φ2/I1) is called coefficient of mutual inductance denoted by M.

E2 = -M (dI1/dt) Volts

M is called the Constant of Proportionality and is also called as Mutual Inductance or

Coefficient of Mutual Inductance.

Mutual Inductance – Mutual Inductance between the two coils is defined as the
property of the coil due to which it opposes the change of current in the other coil.

8. Compare the Dynamically Induced emf with Statically Induced emf:-

Dynamically induced emf Statically induced emf:-

1. The emf induced in coil due to physical The emf is induced in the coil due to
movement either of the magnetic field or change in the flux value by changing
coil called as dyamically induced emf the current is called statically induced
emf
2. In this type of emf there is physical In this type of emf there is no any
motion of conductor. physical motion of conductor.
3. Induced Emf
e = Blv sinɸ

4. The direction of induced emf is The direction of induced emf is

determined by Fleming’s right hand rule. determined by Lenz’s law.
5. e.g. d.c.generator,alternator e.g. induction motor, transformer

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
 9. B-H Curve or Magnetizing curve

Magnetization curve or saturation curve is basically the graphical relationship between

the magnetic flux density B and magnetic field intensity H for a given magnetic material.
As we know that,

B = μ0 μr H

where μ0 = Permeability of free space = 4πx10-7 AT/m

μr = Relative Permeability of material

Thus by using the above equation, we can find the relative permeability of the material.
Unfortunately relative permeability do not remain constant for a given material rather it
varies with the value of magnetic flux density B and magnetic field intensity H. This
variation in the value of relative permeability μr is due to saturation of the material which
can be better understood by domain theory. However we will concentrate here on the
magnetization curve / saturation curve.

B-H Curve or Magnetizing curve

Figure below shows a typical B-H curve for a ferromagnetic material. As can be seen
from the figure below, it consists of three zones i.e. OA, AC and beyond point C. This B-
H curve is known as magnetization curve / saturation curve.

Fig. B-H Curve

1. Region OA – Initially when the supply current is increased the flux increases
slightly up to point A.
2. Region AC – After that when the current is increased, flux also increases linearly
up to point C.
3. Beyond point C – after point c when the current is increased further the flux will
not increase. This point is called as saturation point

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
 Magnetic Hysteresis:
 The phenomenon of flux density B lagging behind the magnetizing force H in a magnetic
material is known as Magnetic Hysteresis.
 When the magnetic material is magnetized first in one direction and then in the other
direction, completing one cycle of magnetization, it is found that the flux density B lags
behind the applied magnetization force H.
 For understanding the phenomenon of the magnetic hysteresis, consider a ring of
magnetic material wound uniformly with solenoid. The solenoid is connected to a DC
source through a Double pole double throw (D.P.D.T) reversible switch as shown in the
figure below.

Experimental set up to draw the hysteresis loop

 Initially, the switch is in position 1. By decreasing the value of R the value of the current
in the solenoid increases gradually resulting in a gradual increase in field intensity H, the
flux density also increases till it reaches the saturation point a and the curve obtained is
oa. Saturation occurs when on increasing the current the dipole moment or the molecules
of the magnet material align itself in one direction.
 Now by decreasing the current in the solenoid to zero the magnetizing force is gradually
reduced to zero, but the value of flux density will not be zero as it still has the value ob
when H=0, so the curve obtained is ab as shown in the figure below. This value ob of
flux density is because of the residual magnetism.

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
 Now to demagnetize the magnetic ring, the position of the D.P.D.T reversible switch
is changed to position 2 and thus, the direction of flow of the current in the solenoid is
reversed resulting in reverse magnetizing force H.
 When H is increased in reverse direction, the flux density starts decreasing and
becomes zero (B=0) and the curve shown above follows the path bc.
 The residual magnetism of the material is removed by applying the magnetizing force
known as Coercive force in the opposite direction.
 Now to complete the hysteresis loop the magnetizing force H is further increased in
the reverse direction till it reaches the saturation point d but in the negative direction,
the curve traces the path cd.
 The value of H is reduced to zero H=0 and the curve obtains the path de, where oe is
residual magnetism when the curve is in the negative direction.
 The position of the switch is changed to 1 again from the position 2 and the current in
the solenoid is again increased as done in the magnetization process and due to this H
is increased in the positive direction tracing the path as efa, and finally the hysteresis
loop is complete.
 In the curve again of is the magnetizing force, also known as the Coercive force
required to remove the residual magnetism oe.
 Here the total Coercive force required to wipe off the residual magnetism in one
complete cycle is denoted by cf.
 From the above discussion, it is clear that the flux density B always lags behind the
magnetizing force H. Hence the loop ‘abcdefa’ is called the Magnetic Hysteresis
loop or Hysteresis Curve.

 Summary of magnetic hysteresis:

Switch R I current H magnetizing B flux density Curve
position resistance force
1 Decreases Increases Increases Increases till oa

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
 saturation point a
Saturation point: when on increasing the current the dipole moment or the
molecules of the magnet material align itself in one direction.
Increases Decreases Gradually reduced Decreases but B ≠ 0 ab
gradually to 0 i.e. H=0 B= ob (residual
& I=0 magnetism)
2 Decreases Increases Increases in Decreases and B=0 bc
in reverse reverse direction
direction
Decreases Increases Increases in Decreases & reaches Cd
in reverse reverse direction saturation point d
direction
Increases Decreases Gradually reduced Increases but B ≠ 0 De
gradually to 0 i.e. H=0 B= oe (residual
& I=0 magnetism)
1 Decreases Increases Increases in Increases efa
positive direction

 Residual Magnetism:
The value of flux density when exciting current and therefore magnetic
field strength is reduced to zero is called remanent or residual flux density.

 Coercive Force:
The value of the magnetizing force oc required to wipe out the
residual magnetism ob is called Coercive force.

 Hysteresis Loss:
The work was done by the magnetizing force against the internal friction of
the molecules of the magnet, produces heat. This energy which is wasted in the
form of heat due to hysteresis is called Hysteresis Loss.

where Kh = A characteristic constant called steinmetz hysteresis co-efficient for

the material
Bm = Maximum flux density, in teslas
f = Frequency
v = Volume of the magnetic material, in cubic meters.

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
 IMPORTANT FORMULAES –

1. Current = V / I
2. Flux = Φ = MMF / RELUCTANCE = NI / S
3. Flux density B = Φ/A
4. Total MMF = φ x S
= N I Where, N – numbers of turns of inductive coil I – current
=Hl
5. Magnetic field strength= H = B/ µ = NI/l
6. Permeability µ = B H
7. Relative permeability μr = μ/μ0
8. Reluctance: S = MMF/ Φ
S = N*I / φ
S = l / (μ0μra).

9. μ0 = 4п * 10-7 H/M

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. Define 1. Magnetic flux density 2. Magnetic field strength 3. MMF 4. Reluctance 5.

Permeability 6.Magnetic flux
2. State 1. Lenz’s law.2. Flemings right hand rule.
3. State the Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction and give the expression for the
induced emf with the meaning of each term
4. Compare electric circuit and magnetic circuit .
5. Explain statically induced emf with suitable diagram.
6. Explain dynamically induced emf with suitable diagram.
7. Compare statically and dynamically induced emf.
8. Define self inductance and mutual inductance
9. Draw and explain the BH curve of magnetic material.
10. Draw hysteresis loop of magnetic material
11. Explain series magnetic circuits.
12. Explain parallel magnetic circuit.
13. A non-magnetic ring has a mean diameter of 44.5 cm and a cross-sectional area of
12cm2 . It is uniformly wound with 500 turns. Calculate the field strength and total flux
produced in the ring by a current of 1Amp.
14. Find reluctance, flux, mmf, required and exciting current for an iron ring with 200 turns
having diameter of 15 cm and 10 cm2 cross sectional area if flux density 1 wb/m2 and
permeability of 500.

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane
15. A coil of 500 turns wound uniformly on an iron ring of mean circumference 50 cm and cross
2
sectional area of 4/p cm , carries a current of 1 A. find
(i) MMF
(ii) Field strength
(iii) Reluctance
(iv) Flux
Take µr = 1000

EEC(22215) Mrs.A.S.Futane