Concept in Definition ABC

If we look at its etymology, the word solenoid is a neologism that comes from the Greek, as it is formed by the word solen, which means channel, and eidos, which means appearance. It was in the 19th century that this term was first used to refer to the first magnetic coils.

How does a solenoid act and what is it for?

This device consists of a coiled structure, that is, a metal with a spiral shape. If the device receives a feeding current creates an electromagnetic field around it.

As it is a metal in the form of a wound coil, the electromagnetic field that is generated in it is of greater intensity than that which occurs in linear cables. Of course, there is a switch connected to the solenoid where the power supply from the electric current.

The solenoid valve can perform many different functions. With them it is possible to regulate the passage of gas or fluids, since the opening and closing of the valve is produced by electromagnetic impulses. In motor vehicles these devices are used in connection with various functions, such as injection, the traction relay, or the starter relay (each of these functions uses a specific type of solenoid).

The solenoid must be understood in the context of electromagnetism

From a theoretical point of view, this device works according to the principles of electromagnetism that were initially exposed by the British Michael Faraday and the French André-Marie Ampere at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. The solenoid is a device directly related to various phenomena, especially electromagnetic induction and magnetic fields.

Electromagnetic induction reveals the junction between the electricity and the magnetism, since an electric current is capable of creating a magnetic field. It was specifically Faraday who demonstrated that it is possible to generate electric current only when the magnetic flux It is variable.

Moving electric charges produce magnetic fields in their surroundings and, in parallel, a magnetic field can affect an electric charge

The relationship between electric current and magnetism was discovered by the Danish physicist and chemist Hans C. Oersted, who observed that if an electric current passed through a wire, that current in turn produced a magnetic field around it.

In short, the general principles of electromagnetism were applied to the solenoid, a device that is present in all kinds of daily activities, such as starting an engine or regulating of voltage power of a house through a circuit.

Photo: Fotolia - cegli