Definition
In a DC field, the reluctance is the ratio of the "magnetomotive force” (MMF) in a magnetic circuit to the magnetic flux in this circuit. In a pulsating DC or AC field, the reluctance is the ratio of the amplitude of the "magnetomotive force” (MMF) in a magnetic circuit to the amplitude of the magnetic flux in this circuit.. (see phasors)
The definition can be expressed as follows:
where
- ("R") is the reluctance in ampere-turns per weber (a unit that is equivalent to turns per henry). "Turns" refers to the winding number of an electrical conductor comprising an inductor.
- ("F") is the magnetomotive force (MMF) in ampere-turns
- Φ ("Phi") is the magnetic flux in webers.
It is sometimes known as Hopkinson's law and is analogous to Ohm's Law with resistance replaced by reluctance, voltage by MMF and current by magnetic flux.
Magnetic flux always forms a closed loop, as described by Maxwell's equations, but the path of the loop depends on the reluctance of the surrounding materials. It is concentrated around the path of least reluctance. Air and vacuum have high reluctance, while easily magnetized materials such as soft iron have low reluctance. The concentration of flux in low-reluctance materials forms strong temporary poles and causes mechanical forces that tend to move the materials towards regions of higher flux so it is always an attractive force(pull).
The reluctance of a uniform magnetic circuit can be calculated as:
or
where
- l is the length of the circuit in metres
- is the permeability of vacuum, equal to henry per metre
- is the relative magnetic permeability of the material (dimensionless)
- is the permeability of the material ()
- A is the cross-sectional area of the circuit in square metres
The inverse of reluctance is called permeance.
Its SI derived unit is the henry (the same as the unit of inductance, although the two concepts are distinct).
Read more about this topic: Magnetic Reluctance
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