Preventing Saturation with Air Gap in Magnetic Circuits

An air gap is a non-magnetic space inserted between magnetic materials in a magnetic circuit. This air gap has several uses in magnetic circuits, including preventing saturation. Here is an explanation of how an air gap prevents saturation in magnetic circuits.

Definition of Saturation

Saturation in a magnetic circuit occurs when the magnetic material can no longer support additional magnetic flux. When this occurs, the magnetic flux density in the material becomes constant, even if the mmf applied to the circuit increases. Saturation can occur in any magnetic material, including iron, steel, and other ferromagnetic materials.

How an Air Gap Prevents Saturation

Inserting an air gap in a magnetic circuit increases the reluctance of the circuit. Reluctance is a measure of how difficult it is for magnetic flux to flow through a material. The higher the reluctance, the more difficult it is for magnetic flux to flow through the material.

When an air gap is inserted in a magnetic circuit, the reluctance of the circuit increases significantly. This increased reluctance reduces the amount of magnetic flux that can flow through the circuit. As a result, the magnetic material in the circuit is less likely to become saturated because there is less magnetic flux flowing through it.

Conclusion

In summary, an air gap is inserted in magnetic circuits to prevent saturation. Saturation occurs when the magnetic material can no longer support additional magnetic flux. By increasing the reluctance of the circuit, an air gap reduces the amount of magnetic flux flowing through the magnetic material, making it less likely to become saturated.