IEE Proceedings A Physical Science Measurement and Instrumentation Management and Education Reviews · 1990 · 117 citations · 21 references
Magnetic PropertiesEngineeringHigh Strength Low Alloy SteelStructural SteelMagnetic MaterialsMagnetismCorrosionConventional Electrical SteelsMaterials EngineeringMaterials ScienceElectrical EngineeringModern Electrical SteelsHard Magnetic MaterialsSoft Magnetic MaterialsHigh-performance MetalMicrostructureAmorphous MetalHigh Temperature MaterialsElectrical SteelsNatural SciencesMetallurgical Process
Electrical steels are the dominant magnetic core material in Europe, accounting for a £400 million market, and are essential in rotating machines and transformers where they dissipate about 5 % of the UK’s generated energy; over the past two decades their quality has improved dramatically, though amorphous magnetic materials are now encroaching on traditional markets. The paper reviews the historical evolution of electrical steels from early hot‑rolled silicon iron to modern grain‑oriented and low‑loss non‑oriented steels. It examines the key factors that govern the magnetic properties of contemporary electrical steels, including manufacturing techniques and domain refinement. The review concludes that amorphous materials are increasingly competitive with conventional steels and outlines potential future developments for both material classes.
Electrical steels are the most important magnetic materials produced in Europe where the total sales market is around £400 million per annum. Its main use is as the magnetic core material of rotating machines and transformers. When magnetised in such equipment, it dissipates iron losses (as heat) which use up around 5% of all the energy generated in the UK. Over the past 20 years, the quality of electrical steels has improved vastly, because of improved manufacturing techniques and a better understanding of factors which control the magnetic properties. The paper reviews the development of electrical steels from hot-rolled silicon iron, first produced around 1905, through the discovery of grain-oriented steels in the late 1930s, to the modern domain-refined high-permeability materials and low-loss nonoriented steels. This is followed by a discussion of the most important factors which affect the properties of modern electrical steels. Amorphous magnetic materials are now competing in some of the markets traditionally monopolised by electrical steels. The paper reviews the existing status of amorphous materials compared to conventional electrical steels and concludes by considering how these and other competing materials might develop in the future.
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