Armature reaction is the effect of current flowing in the armature windings on the main field flux in a DC machine. It causes two undesirable effects: 1) a reduction in the main field flux per pole, and 2) distortion of the main field flux wave along the air gap. Armature current produces cross-flux that either aids or weakens the main flux depending on its location. This results in a non-uniform flux distribution and a shift in the magnetic neutral axis in the direction of rotation for a generator and against rotation for a motor. It also causes demagnetization due to magnetic saturation, further reducing the main field flux from its no-load value.