What is eddy current
2021-09-08 17:25:38
Eddy current is the current circulating in the conductor, just like the eddy current in the water flow. They are caused by magnetic field changes and flow in a closed loop perpendicular to the magnetic field plane. They can be generated when the conductor passes through the magnetic field or when the magnetic field around the stationary conductor changes, that is, anything that causes the conductor to change in the strength or direction of the magnetic field can produce eddy current. The size of eddy current is directly proportional to the size of magnetic field, the area of coil and the change rate of magnetic flux, and inversely proportional to the resistivity of conductor.
Like any current flowing through a conductor, an eddy current generates its own magnetic field. Lenz's law points out that the direction of magnetic induction current, like eddy current, will make the generated magnetic field change opposite to the magnetic field that produces it. This resistance generated by the opposite magnetic field is utilized in eddy current braking, which is usually used as a method to stop rotating electric tools and roller coasters.
