parallel magnetic circuit

A parallel magnetic circuit is a magnetic path where the magnetic flux divides and only a portion of it travels through any single branch. This is in contrast to a series magnetic circuit, where all the flux is confined to a single loop.1

In a parallel magnetic circuit, the magnetic flux ((\Phi)) is analogous to electric current, and it is driven by magnetomotive force (mmf, (f)), which is similar to electromotive force (voltage). The opposition to the magnetic flux is called reluctance ((r)), which is analogous to electrical resistance. The relationship is expressed as (\Phi = f/r).1

This concept is similar to an electrical parallel circuit, where current divides among branches, and the voltage across each branch is the same.12