Question

Describe the ways in which eddy current are used to advantage

Answer 1

Hint: Eddy currents have their origin in the motion of a conductor in an external magnetic field. When the magnetic flux associated with a conductor changes, then eddy currents are induced in it. Their existence can be beautifully explained by using Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction.

Complete step by step answer:
Some of the major advantages can be summed up below:
1- they are useful in finding out the defects, sensitivity to surface defects. Under favorable conditions they can detect defects of 0.5 mm.
2- they are quite useful in finding out the needy through several layers. They can detect defects through surface coatings.
3- they help in accurate conductivity measurements which otherwise is too hard to detect.
4- They are used to measure the position, or change of position of a conductive target. Eddy current Sensors are sometimes referred to as inductive sensors.
5- They are used in induction furnaces in melting the metals and other materials.
6- eddy currents are used in electric meters.
7- They are used for breaking purposes to stop the trains by using magnetic braking. When brakes are applied, with the help of electromagnet magnetic field is created and the wheels are exposed to it, generating eddy currents in the wheels. The magnetic interaction between the applied field and the eddy currents acts to slow the wheels down

Note:
The condition important for the generation of eddy currents is the changing magnetic flux. If there is no change in the magnetic flux associated with the conductor, then no emf will be induced and thus no eddy currents.