Poynting Vector - Finding stored energy per unit length of a solenoid


    long solenoid of n turns per unit length is wound upon a cylindrical core of radius a
    and relative permeability. The current I through the solenoid is increasing with time t at a
    constant rate. Obtain expression for the rate of increase of stored energy per unit length in the core
    of the solenoid
    (a) from the inductance per unit length of the solenoid, and dI=dt.
    (b) from the energy associated with the ﬁelds internal to the solenoid core.
    (c) by integration of the Poynting vector over an appropriate surface.

    2. Relevant equations

    None are given but I believe this is what should be considered:

    -∂/∂t ∫[ εE2/2 + B2/2μ ] dv = ∫ Jf dot E dv + ∫ E cross H da

    Ampere's Law

    E cross H = S

    3. The attempt at a solution

    Using Ampere's Law: B=μnI

    L = flux/I
    L = μn2lA Where l is some length and A is a surface

    Part A)

    ∅ = L dI/dt

    ∅ = μn2lA dI/dt

    U = Q∅/2

    U/dt = μn2lA (dI/dt) (Q/dt) (1/2)

    U/dt = μn2lA (dI/dt) I (1/2)

    This just does not seem right to me??

    Part B)

    U = ∫B2/2μ dv

    U = ∫(μnI)2/2μ dv

    U = μn2lAI (1/2)


    Part C)

    U = ∫ S dv

    where S = E cross H, assuming ∫ Jf dot E dv = 0

    This is where I am confused. Is there an electric field in the solenoid? If so then did I not do the other parts correctly? What am I missing here...
  2. jcsd
  3. rude man

    rude man 5,873
    Homework Helper
    Gold Member

    Not that complicated. Given inductance L, what is the formula for stored energy?

    Then, calculate L per unit length.

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