I have a question about a standard approximation made about the magnetic flux in transformer analysis. Using the magnetic circuit model, the sum of the magnetomotive forces in a transformer are:

$$ \Phi_{core} R_{core} = N_1 I_1 - N_2I_2$$

The core reluctance \$ R_{core} \$ is very small for a transformer due to \$ \mu_r \$ being very high. Therefore, the approximation is made that the term \$ \Phi_{core} R_{core} \$ can be ignored. At first glance, I would accept this argument.

However, if you think of a KVL for an electrical circuit with two voltage sources separated by a very small resistor, the approximation doesn't make sense:

$$ IR = V_1 -V_2$$

Though the resistance is small, there is still a voltage drop between the two sources due to large current. Therefore, the term on the left is non-negligible.

So is the approximation that \$\Phi_{core} R_{core} = 0\$ wrong? If so, I'm surprised that it seems to be a generally accepted approximation.