Which rule determine the direction of current in dc motor

which rule determine the direction of current in dc motor

Which rule determines the direction of current in DC motor?

Answer:
The direction of current in a direct current (DC) motor is determined by Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule. This rule is crucial for understanding the relationship between the direction of current, the magnetic field, and the motion of the conductor, which ultimately dictates the direction of the current and rotational motion in a DC motor.

Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule:

Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule states that if you align your left hand such that the thumb, the index finger, and the middle finger are mutually perpendicular (forming a 90-degree angle with each other), then:

  • Thumb: Represents the direction of the Motion or Force exerted on the conductor.
  • Index Finger: Represents the direction of the Magnetic Field.
  • Middle Finger: Represents the direction of the Current flowing through the conductor.

Let’s break down the application of this rule in the context of a DC motor:

  1. Magnetic Field Direction:

    • In a DC motor, there are permanent magnets or electromagnets that create a magnetic field. The direction of this magnetic field is typically from the north pole to the south pole of the motor’s magnets.
  2. Current Direction:

    • The current flows through the armature windings. Depending on the design, the direction of the current in the armature windings changes as the motor rotates.
  3. Force (Motion) Direction:

    • According to Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule, the interaction of the magnetic field and the current produces a force that moves the armature.

Example:

If the index finger (magnetic field) points from left to right, and the middle finger (current) points upward, then the thumb (force or motion) will point outward towards the observer. This would mean the part of the armature in question would move in that direction, causing the rotation.

Application in DC Motors:

DC motors employ a commutator to reverse the direction of current in the armature windings, ensuring the motor rotation is maintained in a single direction. The commutator switches the current direction at appropriate times during the rotation process to sustain continuous motion.

Diagram Representation:
To visualize this, consider the following diagram using Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule:

  • The index finger points in the direction of the magnetic field (B).
  • The middle finger points in the direction of the current (I).
  • The thumb points in the direction of the force (F) or motion imparted to the conductor.

Solution By Steps:

  1. Align the hand:

    • Ensure the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of your left hand form an “L” shape.
  2. Identify the magnetic field (B):

    • Determine the direction of the magnetic field. In motor configurations, this is typically along the axis between the poles of the magnets.
  3. Identify the current direction (I):

    • Determine the current direction in the armature windings.
  4. Determine the force direction (F):

    • With the thumb, middle finger, and index finger correctly aligned, the thumb will indicate the direction of the motion or force on the motor’s armature.

Example Calculation:

Consider a DC motor where:

  • Magnetic field (B) is directed from North to South.
  • Current (I) in the armature winding is in the upward direction.

According to Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule:

  • Index finger (B): Left to right
  • Middle finger (I): Upwards
  • Thumb (F): Pointing outwards

Thus, the armature will move outward, completing the cycle and generating rotational motion.

Final Answer:
The direction of current in a DC motor is determined by Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule, which helps define the relationship between the direction of the current, the magnetic field, and the resultant force or motion of the motor.