commutator (redirected from Commutators)

com·mu·ta·tor  (kmy-ttr)

n.

1. A cylindrical arrangement of insulated metal bars connected to the coils of a direct-current electric motor or generator, providing a unidirectional current from the generator or a reversal of current into the coils of the motor.

2. Mathematics In a commutative or noncommutative group, an element of the form ghg^-1h^-1 where g and h are elements of the group. If g and h commute, the commutator is the identity element.

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commutator

Noun

a device used to change alternating electric current into direct current

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commutator  (kmy-ttr)

1. The arrangement of contact points in an electric motor connecting an external direct current power supply and the rotating electric coils that use the power, used to generate the AC voltages needed by the coils. The commutator is located at the rotating shaft of the motor, where two power contacts are swept underneath two metal brushes, supplying positive and negative voltage to the coils. When the motor has rotated 180 degrees, the power contacts are each moving under the opposite brush, reversing the polarity of the voltage supplied to the coils.

2. In a group or an algebra, an element of the form ghg^-1h^-1 where g and h are elements of the group or algebra. If g and h commute, the commutator is the identity element. The commutator is often written [g, h].

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

commutator - switch for reversing the direction of an electric current electric switch, electrical switch, switch - control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit