This test method is a fundamental method for evaluating the magnetic performance of flat-rolled magnetic materials in either as-sheared or stress-relief annealed condition.

This test method is suitable for design, specification acceptance, service evaluation, and research and development.

1.1 This test method covers tests for the magnetic properties of basic flat-rolled magnetic materials at power frequencies (25 to 400 Hz) using a 25-cm Epstein test frame and the 25-cm double-lap-jointed core. It covers the determination of core loss, rms exciting power, rms and peak exciting current, and several types of ac permeability and related properties of flat-rolled magnetic materials under ac magnetization.

1.2 This test method shall be used in conjunction with Practice A 34/A 34M.

1.3 This test method provides a test for core loss and exciting current at moderate and high magnetic flux densities up to 15 kG [1.5 T] on nonoriented electrical steels and up to 18 kG [1.8 T] on grain-oriented electrical steels.

1.4 The frequency range of this test method is normally that of the commercial power frequencies 50 to 60 Hz. With proper instrumentation, it is also acceptable for measurements at other frequencies from 25 to 400 Hz.

1.5 This test method also provides procedures for calculating ac impedance permeability from measured values of rms exciting current and for ac peak permeability from measured peak values of total exciting currents at magnetic field strengths up to about 150 Oe [12 000 A/m].

1.6 Explanation of symbols and abbreviated definitions appear in the text of this test method. The official symbols and definitions are listed in Terminology A 340.

1.7 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Within this standard, SI units are shown in brackets except in the sections concerning calculations where there are separate sections for the respective unit systems.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.