3.1 Permeameters require the use of yokes to complete the magnetic circuit and are therefore inherently less accurate than ring test methods. Refer to Test Method A596/A596M for further details on ring test methods. However, when testing certain shapes as bars or when magnetic field strength in excess of 200 Oe [16 kA/m] is required, permeameters are the only practical means of measuring magnetic properties.

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

3.3 When the test specimen is fabricated from a larger sample and is in the same condition as the larger sample, it may not exhibit magnetic properties representative of the original sample. In such instances the test results, when viewed in context of past performance history, will be useful for judging the suitability of the material for the intended application.

1.1 This test method provides dc permeameter tests for the basic magnetic properties of soft magnetic materials in the form of bars, rods, wire, or strip specimens which may be cut, machined, or ground from cast, compacted, sintered, forged, extruded, rolled, or other fabricated materials. It includes tests for determination of the normal induction under symmetrically cyclically magnetized (SCM) conditions and the hysteresis loop (B-H loop) taken under conditions of rapidly changing or steep wavefront reversals of the direct current magnetic field strength. This method has been historically referred to as the ballistic test method. For testing hard or permanent magnet materials, Test Method A977/A977M shall be used.

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

1.3 This test method covers a range of magnetic field strength in the specimen from about 0.05 Oe [4 A/m] up to above 5000 Oe [400 kA/m] through the use of several permeameters. The separate permeameters cover this test region in several overlapping ranges.

1.4 Normal induction and hysteresis properties may be determined over the magnetic flux density range from essentially zero to the saturation induction for most materials.

1.5 Recommendations of the useful magnetic field strength range for each of the permeameters are shown in Table 1.2 Permeameters particularly well suited for general testing of soft magnetic materials are shown in boldface. Also, see Sections 3 and 4 for general limitations relative to the use of permeameters.

1.6 The symbols and abbreviated definitions used in this test method appear with Fig. 1 and in appropriate sections of this document. For the official definitions, see Terminology A340. Note that the term magnetic flux density used in this document is synonymous with the term magnetic induction.

FIG. 1 Basic Circuit Using Permeameter

Note 1: 
A₁—Multirange ammeter (main current)
A₂—Multirange ammeter (hysteresis current)
B—Magnetic flux density test position for Switch S₃
F—Electronic Fluxmeter
H—Magnetic field strength test position for Switch S₃
N₁—Magnetizing coil
N₂—Magnetic flux sensing (B) coil
N₃—Magnetic field strength (H) sensing coil
R₁—Main current control rheostat
R₂—Hysteresis current control rheostat
S₁—Reversing switch for magnetizing current
S₂—Shunting switch for hysteresis current control rheostat
S₃—Fluxmeter selector switch
SP—Specimen

1.7 Warning—Mercury has been designated by EPA and many state agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney, and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury-containing products. See the applicable product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website (http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm ) for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury or mercury-containing products, or both, in your state may be prohibited by state law.

1.8 The values and equations stated in customary (cgs-emu and inch-pound) or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within this standard, SI units are shown in brackets except for the sections concerning calculations where there are separate sections for the respective unit systems. 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 nonconformance with this standard.

1.9 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.