Eddy current dominated magnetization processes in grain oriented silicon iron

The magnetization reversal process in grain oriented silicon-iron with good texture is considered as a function of magnetization rate. Barkhausen jumps in the quasistatic and low-field regimes are briefly discussed. The interaction of eddy currents with the orientation dependent domain wall surface energy is discussed quantitatively and in some detail. The use of two dimensional flexible domain wall models is described and justified at fields well above the coercivity threshold. Examples of such model motion are discussed with some mention of the difficulties presented by severe wall bowing, merging and nucleation at high magnetization rates. Comparison is made with experimental data and the origin of the downward curvature of the loss versus frequency characteristic is considered.