We need to create a remote controlled electromagnet for the pick-up arm of the submarine we're working on. EMs are pretty simple devices but I need some help to clarify a couple issues. The EMs in mind will be 1" or less in size and won't use more than 24Volts but 12Volts or less is more likely. I want to get the maximum magnetic flux I can out of this EM with the lowest possible voltage to get the job done.
1-I understand that to increase the magnetic flux of an EM, it can be done by
a)Increasing the current,
b)Adding a soft solid iron core rod with the highest percentage of iron possible,
c)Increasing the number of turns of the wire around the core.
a and b are easy. Regarding c, does the number of turns of a finer wire increase the magnetic flux as opposed to the same number of turns with thicker wire? If so, what is the limiting issue to how fine a wire can be used, amperage, voltage or something else? Can you provide a chart of recommended wire gauges for given amperage, voltages or the "something else" for EMs? This EM will be ON for very short periods of time - a second or less but often within 10 seconds.
2- Are there other core materials superior to soft iron for creating more magnetic flux? Can you provide a comparison chart of suitable materials?
3- Does anyone know where, besides Ebay, I can get a decent used magnetometer for a no more than a couple hundred $. I just need it to give me a measure of Teslas for making comparisons as I swap things around.
Thank you.
Bretina
FL, USA
1-I understand that to increase the magnetic flux of an EM, it can be done by
a)Increasing the current,
b)Adding a soft solid iron core rod with the highest percentage of iron possible,
c)Increasing the number of turns of the wire around the core.
a and b are easy. Regarding c, does the number of turns of a finer wire increase the magnetic flux as opposed to the same number of turns with thicker wire? If so, what is the limiting issue to how fine a wire can be used, amperage, voltage or something else? Can you provide a chart of recommended wire gauges for given amperage, voltages or the "something else" for EMs? This EM will be ON for very short periods of time - a second or less but often within 10 seconds.
2- Are there other core materials superior to soft iron for creating more magnetic flux? Can you provide a comparison chart of suitable materials?
3- Does anyone know where, besides Ebay, I can get a decent used magnetometer for a no more than a couple hundred $. I just need it to give me a measure of Teslas for making comparisons as I swap things around.
Thank you.
Bretina
FL, USA