An energy-based vector hysteresis model for ferromagnetic materials

Purpose Proposes a new quasi-static vector hysteresis model based on an energy approach, where dissipation is represented by a friction-like force. Design/methodology/approach The start point is the local energy balance of the ferromagnetic material. Dissipation is represented by a friction-like force, which derives from a non-differentiable convex functional. Several elementary hysteresis cells can be combined, in order to increase the number of free parameters in the model, and therefore improve the accuracy. Findings A friction-like force is a good way to represent magnetic dissipation at the macroscopic level. The proposed method is easy to implement and non-differentiability amounts in this case to a simple “if” statement. Research limitations/implications The next steps are the extension to dynamic hysteresis and the in-depth analysis of the identification process, which is only sketched in this paper. Practical implications This vector model, which is based on a reasonable phenomenological description of local magnetic dissipation, enables the numerical analysis of rotational hysteresis losses on a sound theoretical basis. Originality/value It proposes a simple, general purpose macroscopic model of hysteresis that is intrinsically a vector one, and not the vectorization of a scalar model.