The Minor Hysteresis Loop Under Rotating Magnetic Fields in Machine Laminations

In rotating ac machines, the saturated flux density waveforms contain harmonics, which create minor hysteresis loops. The minor hysteresis loops in machine laminations constitute an additional loss which requires modifications in traditional core loss formulas. This causes a serious challenge in core loss estimation. The task becomes more competitive under rotating magnetic fields, where the minor loop behavior has not been investigated yet. This paper highlights the problem of harmonics in rotating fields and its effect on the core loss estimation. In addition, the behavior of minor loops under rotating fields is compared with the minor loops under pulsating fields. Measurements were carried out on a nonoriented silicon steel sample of M36G29 with different fundamental frequencies of interest to the industry, 60 Hz and 400 Hz, with consideration of the third harmonic at each frequency. A design of magnetizing test fixture based on an electromagnetic Halbach array is used to perform these measurements. Results are presented and discussed.