Calculating Magnet Forces at an Angle: Formulas and Book Suggestions

[galbrig2]

I am trying to calculate how much forces is between two magnets, but the catch is they will be approaching each other at an angle.

I have found plenty of information using the model of two magnets heading end to end, but am not sure if the formulas change when the magnets are not in that configuration.

I ma not sure if I am being clear with what I want so if there is any confusion let me know and I will see if I can stat what I am looking for a little better

Also, if anyone can suggest a book which gives a good expiation about the forces between two magnets I would be grateful.

 

[Bob S]

If you can model the two magnets as point dipoles, i.e., each with two magnetic poles +/- q_m separated by a distance L, then you could write the forces as a sum of four vector forces, one between each pair of poles. Two are attractive, two are repulsive. There is almost certainly a torque as well as a force. There is probably a better way, but I don't know it.

 

[astrokreng]

Hello,

Calculating the forces between two magnets at an angle can be a bit more complicated than when they are in an end to end configuration. The formulas do change depending on the angle between the magnets, as well as the distance between them.

One formula that you can use is the cosine formula, which takes into account the angle between the magnets. This can be written as F = (μ0m1m2)/4πr^2 * cosθ, where μ0 is the permeability of free space, m1 and m2 are the magnetic moments of the two magnets, r is the distance between them, and θ is the angle between them.

Another useful formula is the vector addition formula, which takes into account the magnetic field vectors of each magnet. This can be written as F = (μ0/4π) * (m1m2/r^3) * (1 - 3cos^2θ), where μ0 is again the permeability of free space, m1 and m2 are the magnetic moments, r is the distance between the two magnets, and θ is the angle between them.

As for book suggestions, "Magnetism: A Very Short Introduction" by Stephen J. Blundell is a great resource for understanding the basics of magnetism and its applications. "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by David J. Griffiths also covers the fundamentals of magnetism and has a section on magnetic forces between two magnets.

I hope this helps and best of luck with your calculations!