Designation: A 772/A 772M – 00 An American National Standard

Standard Test Method for

ac Magnetic Permeability of Materials Using Sinusoidal
Current1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A 772/A 772M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 4. Significance and Use

1.1 This test method provides a means for determination of 4.1 The permeability determined by this method is the
the impedance permeability (µz) of ferromagnetic materials impedance permeability. Impedance permeability is the ratio of
under the condition of sinusoidal current (sinusoidal H) exci- the peak value of flux density (Bmax) to the assumed peak
tation. Test specimens in the form of laminated toroidal cores, magnetic field strength (Hz) without regard to phase. As
tape-wound toroidal cores, and link-type laminated cores compared to testing under sinusoidal flux (sinusoidal B)
having uniform cross sections and closed flux paths (no air conditions, the permeabilities determined by this method are
gaps) are used. The method is intended as a means for numerically lower since, for a given test signal frequency, the
determining the magnetic performance of ferromagnetic strip rate of flux change (dB/dt) is higher.
having a thickness less than or equal to 0.025 in. [0.635 mm]. 4.2 This test method is suitable for impedance permeability
1.2 This test method shall be used in conjunction with those measurements at very low magnetic inductions at power
applicable paragraphs in Practice A 34/A 34M. frequencies (50 to 60 Hz) to moderate inductions below the
1.3 The values and equations stated in customary (cgs-emu point of maximum permeability of the material (the knee of the
and inch-pound) or SI units are to be regarded separately as magnetization curve) or until there is visible distortion of the
standard. Within this standard, SI units are shown in brackets current waveform. The lower limit is a function of sample area,
except for the sections concerning calculations where there are secondary turns, and the sensitivity of the flux-reading voltme-
separate sections for the respective unit systems. The values ter used. At higher inductions, measurements of flux-generated
stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, voltages that are appreciably distorted mean that the flux has
each system shall be used independently of the other. Combin- appreciable harmonic frequency components. The upper limit
ing values from the two systems may result in nonconformance is given by the availability of pure sinusoidal current, which is
with this standard. a function of the power source. In addition, a large ratio ($10)
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the of the total series resistance of the primary circuit to the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the primary coil impedance is required. With proper test apparatus,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- this test method is suitable for use at frequencies up to 1 MHz.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 4.3 This test method is suitable for design, specification
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. acceptance, service evaluation, quality control, and research
use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards: 5. Apparatus
A 34/A 34M Practice for Sampling and Procurement Test- 5.1 The test circuit, which is schematically illustrated in Fig.
ing of Magnetic Materials2 1, shall consist of the following components.
A 340 Terminology of Symbols and Definitions Relating to 5.2 Power Supply—For power frequency (50- or 60-Hz)
Magnetic Testing2 testing, a suitable power supply consists of two or three series
connected autotransformers of sufficient power rating. This
3. Terminology will provide a continuously variable current source to excite
3.1 Definitions—The terms and symbols used in this test the test specimen. For testing at other than power frequency, an
method are defined in Terminology A 340. ac power source consisting of a low distortion sinosoidal signal
generator and linear amplifier are required. The use of feedback
control of the power amplifier is permitted.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A06 on 5.3 Isolation/Stepdown Transformer—The use of a low
Magnetic Properties and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee A06.01 on Test
Methods.
distortion isolation/stepdown transformer is highly recom-
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 2000. Published January 2001. Originally mended for operator safety and to eliminate any dc bias current
published as A 772 – 80. Last previous edition A 772/A 772M – 95. present when using electronic power supplies. A combined
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.04.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 A 772/A 772M

FIG. 1 Schematic Circuit for Sinusoidal Current Permeability Test

isolation/stepdown transformer can provide greater control

when testing is done at very low magnetizing currents.
5.4 Primary Series Resistor (Z)—A noninductive resistor
having sufficiently high resistance to maintain sinusoidal cur-
rent conditions at the highest magnetizing current and test FIG. 2 Schematic of Link-Type Lamination
signal frequency of interest. In practice, resistance values of 10
to 100 V are used. If this resistor is used to measure the
magnetizing current, the resistance shall be known to better distributed primary winding (N1) of insulated wire shall be
than 0.5 % and the resistance shall not increase by more than applied on top of the secondary winding and be of sufficient
0.5 % at the rated maximum current of the power supply. diameter to conduct the highest intended magnetizing current
5.5 True RMS Ammeter (A)—A true rms ammeter or a safely without significant heating. Twisted leads or biconductor
combination of a noninductive, precision current viewing cable shall be used to connect the specimen windings to the test
resistor and true rms voltmeter shall be used to measure the apparatus.
magnetizing current. The meter shall have an accuracy of better 6.2 Calculation of Test Signals—Testing is done either as
than 0.5 % full scale at the test frequency. The current viewing specified values of flux density (Bmax) or magnetic field
resistor, if used, shall have an accuracy better than 0.5 % and strength (Hz). Before testing, the rms magnetizing currents or
shall have sufficient power rating such that the resistance shall voltages generated in the secondary shall be calculated using
not vary by more than 0.5 % at the rated maximum current of the equations found in 7.3 and 7.4 or 8.3 and 8.4.
the power supply. 6.3 Demagnetization—After connecting the primary and
5.6 Flux Measuring Voltmeter (V)—The flux shall be deter- secondary windings to the apparatus, the test specimen shall be
mined from the voltage induced in the secondary winding demagnetized by applying a magnetizing current sufficiently
using one of the following type of voltmeter: large to create a magnetic field strength greater than ten times
(1) an average responding digital voltmeter calibrated to read the coercivity of the test specimen. The magnetizing current
rms volts for a sine wave or then shall be slowly and smoothly reduced to zero to demag-
(2) a true average responding digital voltmeter. netize the test specimen. The frequency used should be the
The voltmeter shall have input impedance greater than 1 MV, same as the test frequency.
a full-scale accuracy of better than 0.5 % at the test frequency, 6.4 Measurement—The magnetizing current shall be care-
and a crest factor capability of 3 or greater. fully increased until the lowest value of either magnetizing
6. Procedure current (if measuring at a specified value of magnetic field
strength) or flux density (if measuring at a specified value of
6.1 Specimen Preparation—After determining the mass and flux density) is obtained. Both the magnetizing current and
dimensions of the test specimen, it should be enclosed in a secondary voltage shall be recorded. The magnetizing current
suitable insulating case to prevent intimate contact between it is then increased to the next test point and the process repeated
and the primary and secondary windings. This will also until all test points have been measured. It is imperative that
minimize the stress introduced by winding. The case shape and measurements be made in order of increasing magnetic field
size shall approximate that of the test specimen so that the strength or flux density. When a prescribed value of magnetic
secondary winding encloses minimal air flux. All test speci- field strength or flux density has been accidentally exceeded
mens shall have a uniform rectangular cross section. during the test, the specimen must be demagnetized and testing
6.1.1 The cross-sectional area and mean magnetic path resumed at that point.
length of the test specimen shall be calculated using the
6.4.1 At the conclusion of testing, the magnetizing current
equations in 7.1 and 7.2 or 8.1 and 8.2. To obtain acceptable
shall be reduced to zero and the specimen removed from the
uniformity of magnetic field strength throughout the specimen,
test apparatus. The impedance permeability shall be calculated
the following dimensional constraints shall be observed:
using the equations found in 7.5 or 8.5.
(1) for a toroid the inside diameter to outside diameter ratio
shall exceed 0.82 and 7. Calculation (Customary Units)
(2) for the link specimen shown in Fig. 2, the separation (s)
shall exceed nine times the radial width (w). 7.1 Calculation of Mean Magnetic Path Length, l (assumed
6.1.2 A secondary winding (N2) using insulated wire shall to be equal to the mean geometric path):
be uniformly distributed over the test specimen using a 7.1.1 For toroidal cores:
sufficient number of turns so that a measurable voltage will be p ~D 1 d!
obtained at the lowest flux density of interest. A uniformly l5 2 (1)

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 A 772/A 772M

where: 7.5 Calculation of Impedance Permeability, µz

l = mean magnetic path length, cm; 7.5.1 The impedance permeability is calculated as the ratio
D = outside diameter, cm; and of Bmax to Hz or:
d = inside diameter, cm. Bmax
7.1.2 For link cores of the form shown in Fig. 2: µz 5 H (7)
z
l 5 2L 1 p~s 1 w! 5 2L0 1 ~p – 2!s 1 ~p – 4!w (2)
8. Calculation (SI Units)
where:
l = mean magnetic path length, cm; 8.1 Calculation of Mean Magnetic Path Length, l (assumed
L0 = total length, cm; to be equal to the mean geometric path):
L = length of parallel sides, cm; 8.1.1 For toroidal cores:
s = wall separation, cm; and p ~D 1 d!
w = radial width, cm. l5 2 (8)
7.2 Calculation of Cross-Sectional Area, A:
7.2.1 For either toroidal or link-type cores, the cross- where:
sectional area is calculated from the mass and mean magnetic l = mean magnetic path length, m;
path length as: D = outside diameter, m; and
d = inside diameter, m.
m 8.1.2 For link cores of the form shown in Fig. 2:
A 5 ld (3)
l 5 2L 1 p~s 1 w! 5 2L0 1 ~p – 2!s 1 ~p – 4!w (9)
where:
A = cross-sectional area, cm2; where:
m = specimen mass, gm; l = mean magnetic path length, m;
l = mean magnetic path length, cm; and L0 = total length, m;
d = specimen density, g/cm3. L = length of parallel sides, m;
Note that the core height or lamination stacking factor is not s = wall separation, m; and
w = radial width, m.
required in the preceding equation.
7.3 Calculation of the Assumed Peak Magnetic Field 8.2 Calculation of Cross-Sectional Area, A
Strength, Hz 8.2.1 For either toroidal or link type cores, the cross-
The assumed peak magnetic field strength is calculated from sectional area is calculated from the mass and mean magnetic
the rms value of magnetizing current as: path length as:
m
0.4p=2N1Im A 5 ld (10)
Hz 5 l (4)

where:
where: A = cross-sectional area, m2;
Hz = assumed peak magnetic field strength, Oe; m = specimen mass, kg;
N1 = number of primary turns; l = mean magnetic path length, m; and
lm = rms magnetizing current, A; and d = specimen density, kg/m3.
l = mean magnetic path length of specimen, cm.
Note that the core height or lamination stacking factor is not
7.4 Calculation of Peak Flux Density, Bmax
required in the preceding equation.
7.4.1 The peak flux density when using an average respond-
8.3 Calculation of the Assumed Peak Magnetic Field
ing voltmeter calibrated to yield rms values for a sine wave is
Strength, Hz
calculated as:
The assumed peak magnetic field strength is calculated from
108 Ef the rms value of magnetizing current as:
Bmax 5 (5)
=2pfN2A =2N1Im
Hz 5 (11)
7.4.2 The peak flux density when using a true average l
responding voltmeter is calculated as:
where:
108 Eavg Hz = assumed peak magnetic field strength, A/m;
Bmax 5 4fN A (6)
2 N1 = number of primary turns;
lm = rms magnetizing current, A; and
where: l = mean magnetic path length of specimen, m.
Bmax = peak flux density (induction), gauss;
8.4 Calculation of Peak Flux Density, Bmax
Ef = flux voltage measured across secondary winding,
8.4.1 The peak flux density when using an average respond-
V;
Eavg = average voltage measured across secondary wind- ing voltmeter calibrated to yield rms values for a sine wave is
ing, V; calculated as:
f = test frequency, Hz; Ef
Bmax 5 (12)
N2 = number of secondary turns; and =2pfN2A
A = cross-sectional area of test specimen, cm2.
8.4.2 The peak flux density when using a true average

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 A 772/A 772M
responding voltmeter is calculated as: relative impedance permeability which is the ratio of the
Eavg absolute permeability to the permeability of free space or:
Bmax 5 4fN A (13)
2 Bmax
µz 5 G H (14)
m z
where:
Bmax = peak flux density (induction), tesla;
Ef = flux voltage measured across secondary winding, Gm = magnetic constant equal to 4p 3 10–7 H/m.
V;
Eavg = average voltage measured across secondary wind- 9. Precision and Bias
ing, V; 9.1 The precision and bias of this test method have not been
f = test frequency, Hz; established by interlaboratory study. However, it is estimated
N2 = number of secondary turns; and that the precision of measurement is no worse than 65 %.
A = cross-sectional area of test specimen, m2.
8.5 Calculation of Impedance Permeability, µz 10. Keywords
8.5.1 In the SI system of units, the ratio of Bmax to Hz is the 10.1 magnetic field strength; magnetic flux density; mag-
absolute impedance permeability. A more useful form is the netic induction; permeability; sinusoidal current; toroidal core

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