Drehfeld

Drehfeld is a German term that can refer to different concepts depending on context. The word is a compound of drehen, meaning to turn or rotate, and Feld, meaning field. In technical usage, Drehfeld commonly denotes a rotating or turning field, most notably the rotating magnetic field that underpins the operation of polyphase electrical machines. In three-phase systems, the phase-displaced currents produce a magnetic field that rotates in time, enabling torque generation in induction motors and similar devices. The term is used in German-language textbooks and engineering literature to describe this phenomenon, and it appears in historical discussions of early electric motor development.

As a surname, Drehfeld occurs in German-speaking regions. It is found among family names and may be borne by individuals in various professional contexts. The surname follows typical German canting patterns and may have regional distributions connected to local dialects and historical settlements.

Drehfeld is not widely used as a geographic name in standard reference works, and there is no single, universally recognized article dedicated to the term. In practice, the precise meaning of Drehfeld is determined by its disciplinary context, so readers should rely on accompanying terminology to interpret its use.