Electric motors and generators share many concepts when considered from the standpoint of magnetics. In one case (the generator), the desired outcome is the generation of an electrical current. In the other case (the motor), the desired outcome is to convert electrical energy to mechanical motion.
This 1-hour interactive online course provides the basis for understanding how DC Motors work from an intuitive (as opposed to a mathematical) standpoint. No prior knowledge of magnetics is required beyond what is presented in the course titled ôElectric Motors and Generators: Basic Magnetics.ö There is, of course, discussion including current and voltage. This discussion is at a very fundamental level, and the user who has even a vague understanding of current and voltage should be able to understand the material. If a more thorough understanding of current and voltage is desired, the course titled ôCircuit Analysis (DC Conventional): Current, Voltage, & Resistanceö is recommended.
A test is included at the end of this course. You must have Flash Player Version 7 or higher to view some parts of this course. We also recommend you view this course in Internet Explorer.
Upon completion of this course, you will:
- Understand DC Motor action
- Gain knowlege of the basic principles of DC Motors
- Learn how the various motor configurations affects motor speed and direction of rotation
- Identify the different types of DC Motors
This course is part of a seriees of courses as described below:
Who the Course is For
This series of courses is for the layman who wants an understanding of how motors and generators work. Very little mathematics is included, and what is here is either quite fundamental, or not essential to develop the desired result û understand what makes a motor rotate and a generator produce current.
Part of a Series
The course presented here is a part of a series of courses on the subject of Motors and Generators. This course assumes that the user has the knowledge presented in the previous courses in the series, or has obtained sufficient background elsewhere.
There are generally two ways to use this series: A user may start at the beginning and work through the entire series, or he may simply choose parts of the series to either refresh his knowledge or to selectively obtain new knowledge.
Electrical Motors and Generators Series
Electric Motors and Generators: Basic Magnetics
Electric Motors and Generators: Generators and Alternators
Electric Motors and Generators: DC Motors
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