Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student shall be able to

• give an overall description of the importance of electromagnetism in engineering and physics
• demonstrate ability to theoretically solve electromagnetic problems
• show ability to apply the theory on constructions
• look up information on commercially available equipment
• describe typical orders of magnitude for electromagnetic quantities in some representative situations
• give an overall description of electromagnetic material properties and choice of material for some different applications

Content

Physical differences between action at a distance and interaction via fields. The Lorentz force and Maxwell's equations as a complete system and energy and impulse in the electromagnetic field. The Coulomb integrals for the electrostatic and magnetostatic fields and Biot-Savarts law.

Basic potential theory including Gauss law, Ampere's law, Helmholtz theorem, degenerated sources and image methods for the plane. Fundamental solutions to Laplaces' equation och physical analogue of these. Earnshaw's and Thompson's theorem and Faraday shielding.

Multipole expansion of the static fields. Electric and magnetic dipoles. Force and torque acting on dipoles and the magnetic compass equation. Brief description of polarisation and magnetisation in electromagnetic materials. Ohm's law in differential form. Boundary and jump conditions at a surface of discontinuity. A brief description of material choice and electromagnetic properties of materials.

Faraday's induction law. Induction in a moving circuit. Some examples of induction machines and a brief performance comparison with combustion machines.

The continuity equation for electric charge. Brief description of induction and capacitance coefficients and simplifications leading to electronic circuit equations.

Maxwells generalisation of Amperes law and final form of Maxwell's equations. Shielding, skin effect and magnetic field diffusion in conducting materials. Examples of techniques for shielding. Brief description of generation and propagation of electromagnetic waves. Energy and impulse in the electromagnetic field (Poynting's theorem). Brief treatment on half wave antennas, electric dipole radiation, phase arrayed antennas and radiation of the hydrogen atom. Validity of electromagnetism in special relativity and quantum effects, in particular concerning line radiation.

Instruction

Seminars, lessons, laboratory training and study visits. A group of students shall in the laboratory work develop ideas to improve some electromagnetic construction. The laboratory work includes a searching for information (for instance on Internet based catalogues) on electromagnetic equipment available on the market. The study visit will be to the division for electricity, some experimental facility or company.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course (4 credits). Passed laboratory course is required (1 credit).

Two mini exams, or hand in assignments, will be given during the course. Bonus points from these are valid on all written examinations during the academic year when the tasks were completed.