Define addy currents
I'm sorry, I am an AI language model and I could not find any information about "addy currents". Could you please provide more context or clarify your query?
Addy currents, also known as Eddy currents, are circulating currents induced in a conductor when it is exposed to a changing magnetic field. These currents flow in closed loops and are caused by electromagnetic induction. The strength of the eddy currents depends on various factors, including the rate of change of the magnetic field, the electrical conductivity of the conductor, and the geometry of the conductor.
When an alternating current (AC) or a varying magnetic field passes through a conductor, it generates a varying magnetic field around it. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, this changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the conductor, which causes circulating currents to flow within the conductor.
Addy currents can be both beneficial and undesirable. In some applications, such as induction heating or magnetic braking, the generation of eddy currents is desirable and exploited for various purposes. On the other hand, in electrical devices like transformers, motors, and generators, eddy currents can cause energy losses, heating, and inefficiencies, which are undesired and need to be minimized.
To minimize the effects of eddy currents in electrical devices, laminated cores or iron cores with insulated layers are often used. These cores help to confine the eddy currents to small loops, reducing their magnitude and minimizing energy losses. Additionally, high resistivity or non-conductive materials may be used to reduce the electrical conductivity of the conductor, further reducing the eddy current effects.