The Basics of Solenoids and Electric Motors

Basically an electric motor is a mechanical device thatattract this moveable plunger into the gap, which then
switches electric energy into mechanical energy bycompletes the electrical circuit. This plunger can
passing an electric current through a wire loopsubsequently be attached to various mechanical parts,
contained within a magnetic field. A solenoid, universallywhich, in turn, will cause them to move in a particular,
used in all types of motors from power door locks todefined direction. Depending on which end of the
starters and is simply a round coil of wire that's beenarmature is connected to the solenoid, a pushing or
insulated and used to create a magnetic field in thepulling motion results. Very often, springs are used to
atmosphere of this current.keep the plunger position set to open.
Solenoids are a specially engineered electromagnet inElectromagnetic motors are based on the basic
which a coil of wire is wrapped around a speciallyprinciple that all current-carrying wire within a magnetic
shaped core made of steel or iron, it is an integralfield contains a amount of mechanical force. The larger
component in all sizes of motors.the motor and the greater the electromagnetic field,
Solenoids work like this: when electrical current goesthe more power is produced. A string of solenoid
through the loop of wire, a magnetic field accumulatesswitches and check valves can be used to harness
around it. A iron or steel path for this force to flow intothis power in a specific manner, depending on the
significantly increases the strength of the magneticforce and direction required. The muscle behind any
field. Because magnetic energy attempts to take amotor is governed by various factors including the
specific path, flowing from the center of a coil, out onenumber of turns in the coil, the quantity of current
end, down the sides and then reversing that path. If aflowing through it, the distance end to end of the coil
iron or steel core, called a solenoid, is shaped to fit thisand the magnetic purity of the iron or steel used in the
path, it will then direct the flow of magnetism through it.moveable parts.
When a gap is left in the core design, the magneticIn closing, by applying the basics of electromagnetic
flux will flow around the path until it is stopped by theknowledge and by modifying the parts to withstand
resulting breach. The armature of a solenoid will fill thethe relevant pressure, all motors, regardless of their
gap; thus, when the current flows through the coil, it willsize operate on this same scientific standard.