-=Eddy Currents=-

[positron]

I was wondering if the heat generated by eddy currents (in a theoretical experiment where a wide range of materials were tested) could be measured using an apparatus similar to an induction furnace.

 

I have attached a diagram along with this post to show u what i mean.

 

I was going to measure the heat generated by each metal through a thermometer in water. The water will absorb the heat generated.

 

Can u see any potential weaknesses in this attempt? Will the water always heat up to an excess of 100 degrees? If so, can this be controlled by lowering the voltages applied? (Plz ignore any heat lost to the surroundings.)

 

Thanks for ur help!

Prac Diagram.doc

[labview1958]

Do you intend to pass an AC current through the coil? If it is for short duration, the temperature rise would be minimal.

[positron]

That is what i would like to know, any help would be much appreciated

 

All i need is for the temperature to rise high enough so that it can be measured and used as a comparative measure against all other materials

(provided that all the variables are kept the same)

[Rocket Man]

that would work, provided you run an AC current.

also the rate of temperature rise would be determined by the frequency of the ac.

higher frequencies generally produce better eddies.

if you build this, insulate the material from the coil, you dont want tto confuse ohmic heating in the coil with eddies in the experiment.

it may work to suspend the test material in the water, and wrap the coil around a styrofoam/insulating cup.

 

it probably wont, but an irregular coil shape might yeild a better result.

i think eddies only occur in conductive materials so you'd probably be better off testing resistivity.

the only thing i can think of that this experiment will tell you is how irregular the conductive patterns are.

it'll probably have some good use in that case, equipped with an IR camera to spot the differences, you'll be able to tell where the conducitvity layers are on the suface of certain materials.

[positron]

thanks man.

 

btw. this is only a theoretical task, i was just wondering if appropriate data can be obtained that will distinguish between the conductivities of various elements