ASTM A 977/A 977M

1.1 This test method covers how to determine the magnetic characteristics of magnetically hard materials (permanent magnets), particularly their initial magnetization, demagnetization, and recoil curves, and such quantities as the residual induction, coercive field strength, knee field, energy product, and recoil permeability. This test method is suitable for all materials processed into bulk magnets by any common fabrication technique (casting, sintering, rolling, molding, and so forth), but not for thin films or for magnets that are very small or of unusual shape. Uniformity of composition, structure, and properties throughout the magnet volume is necessary to obtain repeatable results. Particular attention is paid to the problems posed by modern materials combining very high coercivity with high saturation induction, such as the rare-earth magnets, for which older test methods (see Test Method A 341) are unsuitable. An applicable international standard is IEC Publication 60404-5. 1.2 The magnetic system (circuit) in a device or machine generally comprises flux-conducting and nonmagnetic structural members with air gaps in addition to the permanent magnet. The system behavior depends on properties and geometry of all these components and on the operating temperature. This test method describes only how to measure the properties of the permanent magnet material. The basic test method incorporates the magnetic specimen in a magnetic circuit with a closed flux path. Test methods using ring samples or frames composed entirely of the magnetic material to be characterized, as commonly used for magnetically soft materials, are not applicable to permanent magnets. 1.3 This test method shall be used in conjunction with Practice A 34/A 34M. 1.4 The values and equations stated in customary (cgs-emu or inch-pound) or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within this test method, SI units are shown in brackets exc ....(abbreviated)