[SEL] Magneto coil question

[Orrin B Iseminger]

The principle of electrical induction requires three things:  1) Magnetic
field, 2) Electrical conductor, 3) Relative movement between the two.  

Of course, we always think of the copper coil as being the conductor; but,
wait a minute!  The iron core is also a conductor.  Electrical currents can
be induced in the iron, as well.  

Think of the laminations as being a way of discouraging those electrical
currents--called eddy currents--in the iron core.  Ideally, the laminations
are insulated from one another with a layer of varnish.  

By breaking the core into thin laminations the electrical path is chopped
into tiny pieces.  

Suffice it to say, in these coils eddy currents are not good.  

Regards, 

Orrin

Orrin Iseminger
Colton, Washington, USA
http://users.moscow.com/oiseming/lc_ant_p/menu.htm
So many projects.  So little time.   

-----Original Message-----
From: stationary-engine-request at oldengine.org
[mailto:stationary-engine-request at oldengine.org] On Behalf Of Jerry Evans
Sent: Friday, May 08, 2009 9:00 AM
To: stationary-engine at oldengine.org
Cc: sel at lists.stationary-engine.com
Subject: Magneto coil question

Hi Guys,
         Can anyone explain to me in simple terms why the steel core of a 
coil (in this case a flywheel magneto coil) is made up of laminations.
         Is there a scientific reason for this or is it just easier to 
manufacture this way.
         Is there a reason why this could not be a solid steel core (as in 
a piece of steel laser cut to the right shape/size) ?
         Many thanks for any explanations.

Keep the revs up (or down)
Jerry Evans
Near Johannesburg in Sunny South Africa.
Etched Brass Engine Plates made to order:
<www.oldengine.org/members/evans/plates/index.htm>




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