Separating hysteresis and eddy current losses in magnetic materials is crucial for understanding their behavior in electrical and electromagnetic applications. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to distinguish between these two types of losses:
### 1. **Understanding Hysteresis and Eddy Current Losses**
**Hysteresis Loss:**
- **Origin:** Hysteresis loss occurs due to the lag between the magnetic field strength and the magnetization of the material. It arises because the magnetic domains within the material are not perfectly aligned with the external magnetic field, leading to energy dissipation during each cycle of magnetization.
- **Dependence:** Hysteresis loss depends on the material’s magnetic properties, such as coercivity and the area of the hysteresis loop. It is proportional to the frequency of the alternating magnetic field and the area of the hysteresis loop.
**Eddy Current Loss:**
- **Origin:** Eddy current loss arises from induced currents within the conductor due to changing magnetic fields. These currents flow in closed loops within the material and generate heat due to the resistive losses in the material.
- **Dependence:** Eddy current loss depends on the rate of change of the magnetic field (frequency), the material's electrical conductivity, and the thickness of the material. The loss is proportional to the square of the thickness and increases with higher frequencies.
### 2. **Experimental Methods to Separate Losses**
To distinguish between hysteresis and eddy current losses, you can use the following experimental approaches:
#### **A. Measuring Losses with Different Frequencies**
1. **Low-Frequency Measurements:**
- At low frequencies, eddy current losses are minimal because the induced currents are small. Measure the power loss at a low frequency (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz) and attribute the measured loss primarily to hysteresis.
2. **High-Frequency Measurements:**
- At higher frequencies, eddy current losses become significant. By measuring the power loss at a higher frequency (e.g., kHz to MHz), you can determine the total loss and distinguish the portion attributable to eddy currents.
#### **B. Material and Geometry Adjustments**
1. **Varying Material Thickness:**
- Eddy current losses are highly sensitive to material thickness. Measure losses in samples of different thicknesses. If the loss varies significantly with thickness, it’s indicative of eddy current losses. Hysteresis loss, on the other hand, is less dependent on thickness.
2. **Using Laminated Materials:**
- To reduce eddy current losses, materials are often laminated. Measure losses in laminated versus non-laminated samples. A significant difference in loss can help in separating hysteresis losses, as laminations primarily affect eddy current losses.
#### **C. Magnetic Hysteresis Loop Analysis**
1. **Hysteresis Loop Measurement:**
- Perform a hysteresis loop measurement using a B-H curve analyzer. The area within the hysteresis loop gives the hysteresis loss per cycle. This method helps quantify hysteresis losses directly.
2. **Subtracting Known Hysteresis Losses:**
- If you know the hysteresis loss from a specific measurement, subtract it from the total measured loss at different frequencies or under different conditions to isolate eddy current losses.
### 3. **Mathematical Models and Calculation**
Using analytical and empirical formulas can also help separate these losses:
- **Hysteresis Loss Formula:** \( P_h = \eta \cdot B_{\text{max}}^2 \cdot f \), where \( \eta \) is the hysteresis loss coefficient, \( B_{\text{max}} \) is the maximum flux density, and \( f \) is the frequency.
- **Eddy Current Loss Formula:** \( P_e = \frac{\pi^2}{6} \cdot B_{\text{max}}^2 \cdot f^2 \cdot \sigma \cdot t^2 \), where \( \sigma \) is the electrical conductivity, and \( t \) is the thickness of the material.
### 4. **Practical Approaches**
1. **Material Data Sheets:**
- Review the material data sheets for information on hysteresis and eddy current losses provided by manufacturers.
2. **Consulting Standards:**
- Refer to industry standards and guidelines for measuring and evaluating magnetic losses in materials.
By employing these methods, you can effectively separate and quantify hysteresis and eddy current losses, leading to a better understanding of the performance and efficiency of magnetic materials in various applications.