ASTM A596/A596M-21

3.1?Test methods using suitable ring-type specimens4 are the preferred methods of determining the basic magnetic properties of a material caused by the absence of demagnetizing effects and are well suited for specification acceptance, service evaluation, and research and development.

3.2?Provided the test specimen is representative of the bulk material as is usually the case for thin strip and wire, this test is also suitable for design purposes.

3.3?When the test specimen is not necessarily representative of the bulk material such as a ring machined from a large forging or casting, the results of this test method may not be an accurate indicator of the magnetic properties of the bulk material. In such instances, the test results when viewed in context of past performance history will be useful for judging the suitability of the current material for the intended application.

1.1?This test method covers dc testing for the determination of basic magnetic properties of materials in the form of ring, toroidal, link, double-lapped Epstein cores, or other standard shapes which may be cut, stamped, machined, or ground from cast, compacted, sintered, forged, or rolled materials. It includes tests for determination of the normal magnetization curve and hysteresis loop taken under conditions of steep wavefront reversals of the direct-current magnetic field strength.

1.2?This test method shall be used in conjunction with Practice A34/A34M.

1.3?This test method is suitable for a testing range from very low magnetic field strength up to 200 or more Oe [15.9 or more kA/m]. The lower limit is determined by integrator sensitivity and the upper limit by heat generation in the magnetizing winding. Special techniques and short duration testing may extend the upper limit of magnetic field strength.

1.4?Testing under this test method is inherently more accurate than other methods. When specified dimensional or shape requirements are observed, the measurements are a good approximation to absolute properties. Test accuracy available is primarily limited by the accuracy of instrumentation. In most cases, equivalent results may be obtained using Test Method A773/A773M or the test methods of IEC Publication 60404-4.

1.5?This test method permits a choice of test specimen to permit measurement of properties in any desired direction relative to the direction of crystallographic orientation without interference from external yoke systems.

1.6?The symbols and abbreviated definitions used in this test method appear in Fig. 1 and Sections 5, 6, 9, and 10. For the official definitions see Terminology A340.