Like poles repel each-other and opposite poles attract.If freely suspended one end of the magnet (pole) will always point towards magnetic north.Cutting an existing magnet in two results in the formation of two separate magnets, each with their own north and south pole. Magnets always contain two poles (north and south).All magnets attract iron (this is why a magnet sticks to your steel fridge).Magnets all share a number of elementary properties: A magnet can be described as any material that induces a magnetic field around it. MagnetismĮveryone should be familiar with the concept of a magnet and most have at least one stuck to their fridge. To fully understand the functioning of a magneto we first must delve into the elementary physics behind magnetism and electromagnetic induction. Finally, we will discuss the importance of always performing the magneto checks specified by the engine manufacturer as a part of your pre-flight checklist. Let’s first describe in some detail the law of induction and then discuss how this is used in the magneto system found in your light aircraft. Traditionally aircraft have used a magneto ignition system, which as the name suggests, utilizes rotating magnets and takes advantage of a physics phenomenon known as Faraday’s Law of Induction to generate the high currents and voltages required to generate a spark at the spark plugs. The means by which a high voltage spark is created and distributed to each spark plug must therefore remain completely self-contained.
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Each system consists of a self-contained magneto, its own means to distribute the resulting high voltage to the spark plug, and its own set of spark plugs located in every engine cylinder. There is an even further level of redundancy built into the ignition system two magneto ignition systems are always installed on a single engine where each system is independently capable of keeping the engine running. This means is that even if there were a total failure of the electrical system, the engine would continue to operate as normal. In fact, ignition is so critical to the proper functioning of the engine that this system is designed to be completely separate from all other systems. Without ignition there is no means to burn the air-fuel mixture, which is sucked into each cylinder as part of the four-stroke engine cycle. Magnetism and Electromagnetic InductionĪ reliable and continuous source of ignition is required to keep an engine operating.