Magnetic circuit reluctance^*

The magnetic system's core can be represented as a magnetic circuit carrying the magnetic flux. The magnetic circuit reluctance can be estimated using the simulation software.

Magnetic circuit reluctance may be calculated as R_m = U_m / Flux,
where R_m - magnetic circuit resistance
U_m = Integral(HdL) - magnetic voltage drop,
Flux - magnetic flux across the cross-section.

In case of uniform magnetic flux distribution the magnetic circuit reluctance can be calculated as

R_m = (1/μμ₀) · L / S

The magnetic circuit analysis can be performed by the same methods as the electric circuit analysis. This approach is suitable for simple geometry and uniform flux distribution.

For complex core construction and non-linear materials the FEA approach is more appropriate. Depending on the problem formulation, you can use DC, AC or Transient Magnetics module of QuickField to calculate the magnetic circuit reluctance of the core.

• More about magnetic circuit reluctance simulation:
  Magnetic field simulation in the air gap of DC electric motor.
• Magnetic circuit reluctance in the recorded webinar:
  QuickField analysis for Electromagnetic Plunger design.
• Additional links on this subject: Magnetic reluctance
  from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

^*We do not guarantee that articles in the section "Glossary" are full and exact, and may be used as a reference of any kind. In fact - they are not! These are just informal hints, letting the students and amateurs better understand what is the specific term about. Experts should not read it at all! However, we will appreciate all expert recommendations about improving and extending our glossary.