Eddy currents

Eddy currents are circulating loops of electric current induced in conductive materials when they are exposed to changing magnetic fields. According to electromagnetic principles, a changing magnetic field creates an electric current within the conductor. These currents flow in small loops, like whirlpools, and can produce heat and oppose the original magnetic change. Eddy currents are used in applications such as metal induction heating, electromagnetic braking, and non-destructive testing, but they can also cause energy loss in transformers and motors, which engineers aim to minimize through design techniques like laminating cores.