Magnetic bearing (MB)

Magnetic Bearing (MB)

Magnetic Bearing (MB) refers to the direction of an object with respect to magnetic north. It is commonly used in navigation, specifically in radio transmitting stations and aircrafts.

MB is a measurement of magnetic heading, which is the angle between magnetic north and the direction in which an object is moving. This measurement is essential in determining the correct course for a radio transmitting station or aircraft to follow.

Magnetic north is not the same as true north, which is the geographic north. Instead, magnetic north is the direction that a compass needle will point towards due to the Earth’s magnetic field. The difference between magnetic north and true north is known as magnetic variation, which varies depending on location and time.

MB is also used in magnetic bearings, which is a type of bearing that uses magnetic fields to support and guide a rotating shaft. This eliminates the need for physical contact between the shaft and the bearing, reducing friction and increasing efficiency. Magnetic bearings are commonly used in high-speed machinery, such as turbines, compressors, and motors.

Overall, magnetic bearing plays an important role in navigation and the operation of machinery, providing an accurate measurement of direction and reducing friction.