Mutual inductance ($M$)

For two fixed linear coils, mutual inductance $M$ relates magnetic flux linkage in one coil to electric current in the other: ${\Lambda }_{21}=M{I}_1$. The induced electromotive force is ${\mathcal{E}}_2=-Md{I}_1/dt$ with consistent winding orientations. For reciprocal coils, $|M|=k\sqrt{L_1{L}_2}$, where $L_1,L_2$ are self-inductances and $0\le k\le 1$ measures magnetic coupling. Its SI unit is the henry.

Coupled inductors are inductors whose magnetic flux linkages depend on each other's electric currents. A two-circuit linear model uses two self-inductances and a mutual inductance.

An inductance matrix relates magnetic flux linkages to electric currents in a linear model of coupled inductors. For reciprocal two-coil coupling, $\mathbf{L}=\left(\begin{array}{cc}{L}_1& M\\ M& L_2\end{array}\right)$. Its stored magnetic energy is ${\mathbf{i}}^T\mathbf{Li}/2$. With $L_1,L_2>0$, it is a positive-definite matrix exactly when $M^2<L_1{L}_2$. Equality is a singular limiting model requiring separate treatment.