Hysteresis - 1.3.2 | Module 3: Introduction to Magnetism and Transformers | Basics of Electrical Engineering
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1.3.2 - Hysteresis

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Interactive Audio Lesson

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Introduction to Hysteresis

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we're exploring hysteresis, a phenomenon where the magnetization of a ferromagnetic material lags behind the applied magnetic field. Does anyone know why this lag might be significant?

Student 1
Student 1

Could it relate to how magnets work? Like, why they can hold their magnetism?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! This lag produces a residual magnetism when the field is removed, known as remanence. It's crucial for permanent magnets. Can anyone tell me what happens if we try to demagnetize a material?

Student 2
Student 2

I think we'd need to apply an opposing magnetic field to reduce the remanence, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! The required field strength for demagnetization is called coercivity, and it varies among materials. Let’s move on to how this affects energy losses during cycling.

Understanding the Hysteresis Loop

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Teacher
Teacher

Let me show you the B-H curve, the graphical representation of hysteresis. When we plot magnetic flux density B against magnetic field strength H and cycle the field, we create a loop. Why do you think this is called a loop?

Student 3
Student 3

Because it returns back without tracing the same path, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! This closed path represents energy loss due to hysteresis, critical for transformer design. Can anyone think of a practical implication of this energy loss?

Student 4
Student 4

Maybe it affects how efficient a transformer can be? If there are losses, that means less useful energy gets through.

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! Minimizing hysteresis loss is vital for efficient transformer cores.

Hysteresis Loss in Transformers

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Teacher
Teacher

So, we now understand the components of hysteresis. Let's connect this to transformers—a vital application of magnetic materials. What two main losses do transformers experience?

Student 1
Student 1

Copper losses from the windings and core losses, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Hysteresis loss falls under core losses. Energy dissipated due to the hysteresis loop is crucial in determining overall efficiency. Are we clear on why selecting materials with minimal hysteresis loss is essential?

Student 3
Student 3

Because it affects efficiency over the lifetime of a transformer, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Remember, lower hysteresis results in better efficiency, particularly in applications with fluctuating loads.

Real-World Applications and Considerations

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s discuss real-world implications of hysteresis. In addition to transformers, where else might we find hysteresis impacting efficiency?

Student 2
Student 2

I think in any machinery that uses magnetic fields, like motors?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Electric motors also face similar losses affecting performance. Why do we care about this in electrical engineering?

Student 4
Student 4

To design machines that are efficient and effective!

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! Engineers aim to minimize losses for better performance across various devices.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

Hysteresis refers to the lagging of magnetization in ferromagnetic materials behind the applied magnetic field, illustrated through a hysteresis loop.

Standard

The section on hysteresis explains this lagging phenomenon in ferromagnetic materials, emphasizing the concept of the hysteresis loop, its implications for remanence and coercivity, and the associated energy losses, which are critical in transformer design and performance.

Detailed

Hysteresis

Hysteresis is a crucial phenomenon observed in ferromagnetic materials that describes how magnetization (denoted as magnetic flux density, B) does not immediately follow the applied magnetic field strength (H). Instead, magnetization lags behind during alternations, leading to a 'memory effect' where the past magnetic history influences the current magnetic state of the material.

When a ferromagnetic material is subjected to a cyclical magnetizing field, the relationship between B and H forms a closed curve on a graph known as the hysteresis loop. Key aspects of the hysteresis loop include:

  1. Remanence (Br): This is the residual magnetic flux density that remains in the material when the applied field is reduced to zero after complete magnetization. This property is essential for permanent magnets, allowing them to retain magnetic properties without continuous external energy.
  2. Coercivity (Hc): To fully demagnetize a material and reduce its residual flux density to zero, an opposing magnetic field strength must be applied. The strength required for this reverse field is known as coercivity, which is a measure of how strongly a material resists demagnetization.
  3. Hysteresis Loss: The area enclosed within the hysteresis loop represents the energy dissipated as heat during one complete cycle of magnetization and demagnetization. In transformers, hysteresis loss is a significant form of core loss, impacting efficiency. Minimizing the loop area is thus a design consideration for high-performance transformer materials.

Audio Book

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Definition of Hysteresis

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  1. Definition: The phenomenon observed in ferromagnetic materials where the magnetization (magnetic flux density, B) lags behind the applied magnetic field strength (H) when the material is subjected to a cyclical (alternating) magnetizing field. This "memory effect" means that the magnetic state of the material depends not only on the current applied field but also on its past magnetic history.

Detailed Explanation

Hysteresis refers to the behavior of ferromagnetic materials when subject to an alternating magnetic field. When we apply a magnetic field (H), it causes the material to magnetize, indicated by the magnetic flux density (B). However, when the magnetic field is cycled back, the material does not immediately demagnetize. This delay results in what we call a 'memory effect.' The material retains some magnetism even after the applied field is removed, which is an important aspect in the behavior of magnets and transformers.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a sponge soaked in water. If you apply pressure and squeeze it, it will release some water. But when you release the pressure, it doesn't go back to its original shape immediately; some water stays in the sponge. This is similar to how hysteresis works in magnetic materials, where the magnetization lags behind the applied magnetic field, holding onto some 'memory' of the previous state.

The Hysteresis Loop

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  1. Hysteresis Loop: When the magnetizing field strength (H) is cycled (e.g., increased from zero to positive maximum, then decreased through zero to negative maximum, and finally increased back to positive maximum), the relationship between B and H does not retrace the same path but instead forms a closed loop, known as the hysteresis loop.
  2. Remanence (or Retentivity, Br): When the applied magnetic field strength (H) is reduced to zero (after the material has been fully magnetized), a residual magnetic flux density (Br) remains in the material. This residual magnetism is what makes permanent magnets possible.
  3. Coercivity (or Coercive Force, Hc): To reduce the residual flux density (Br) to zero and completely demagnetize the material, a reverse (oppositely directed) magnetic field strength must be applied. The magnitude of this reverse field is called the coercivity (Hc).

Detailed Explanation

The hysteresis loop provides a graphical representation of the relationship between magnetic flux density (B) and magnetic field strength (H) as the magnetizing process is cycled. As H increases to its maximum, B also increases, but when H decreases, B doesn't return along the same path—it creates a loop. The area of this loop represents energy lost during magnetization and demagnetization. There are two critical points in this loop: Remanence (Br) is the residual magnetism left when the applied field goes to zero. Coercivity (Hc) is the strength of the reverse field needed to demagnetize the material completely.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a rubber band. When you stretch it, it expands (positive magnetization), but when you release it, it doesn't return to its exact original shape (retentivity). If you pull it too far in the opposite direction, you can stretch it again to change its form, but there’s a point where it snaps back to its original length (coercivity). The rubber band can hold memory of its shape, similar to how magnetic materials retain magnetism.

Hysteresis Loss

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  1. Hysteresis Loss: The area enclosed by the hysteresis loop represents the energy dissipated as heat within the magnetic material during one complete cycle of magnetization and demagnetization. This energy loss is a significant component of core losses in AC electromagnetic devices like transformers. Minimizing the area of the hysteresis loop is a key goal for transformer core materials.

Detailed Explanation

Hysteresis loss occurs due to the energy that is lost each time the magnetic material is magnetized and demagnetized. The energy lost is represented by the area within the hysteresis loop on the B-H curve. This energy loss manifests as heat, which is a significant concern in devices such as transformers, where efficiency is critical. Engineers strive to select materials with smaller hysteresis loops to reduce these losses during operation.

Examples & Analogies

Consider riding a bicycle on a rough surface. Every time you pedal, you overcome resistance (similar to magnetizing), but you also lose energy through friction (the hysteresis loss) that turns into heat. The smoother the ride, the less energy you waste, just like in transformers, where selecting the right material for the core can minimize energy losses.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Hysteresis: Lag of magnetic state in ferromagnetic materials behind the magnetic field.

  • Hysteresis Loop: Graphical representation of B versus H showing energy loss.

  • Remanence: Residual magnetic flux density remaining in the material.

  • Coercivity: The reverse field strength required to demagnetize the material.

  • Hysteresis Loss: Energy dissipated as heat within the material due to magnetization cycles.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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Examples

  • Transformers utilize ferromagnetic materials to minimize hysteresis losses, leading to increased efficiency in electrical systems.

  • Permanent magnets take advantage of remanence, enabling devices like refrigerator magnets to function without power.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • When B lags behind H, it’s hysteresis day; remanence stays, while coercivity sways.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • In a small village, a blacksmith made the strongest magnets but learned the hard way that if he didn’t apply just the right reverse pull, he would lose his precious creations. He realized that the remanent strength was what made his magnets last!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the acronym R-H-C: R for Remanence, H for Hysteresis, and C for Coercivity.

🎯 Super Acronyms

Use the acronym LAC to remember key concepts

  • L: for Lag (hysteresis)
  • A: for Area (of the loop)
  • C: for Coercivity.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Hysteresis

    Definition:

    The lag in magnetization of a ferromagnetic material in response to changes in the applied magnetic field.

  • Term: Hysteresis Loop

    Definition:

    A closed curve representing the relationship between magnetic flux density and magnetic field strength, illustrating energy loss.

  • Term: Remanence

    Definition:

    Residual magnetic flux density that remains in a material when the applied field is removed.

  • Term: Coercivity

    Definition:

    The magnitude of the reverse magnetic field needed to reduce remanence to zero.

  • Term: Hysteresis Loss

    Definition:

    The energy dissipated as heat due to the repeated magnetization and demagnetization of a ferromagnetic material.