1. Scope
1.1 This test method provides dc permeameter tests for the basic magnetic properties of 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.
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 flux density range from essentially zero to intrinsic saturation for most materials.
1.5 Recommendations of the useful magnetic field strength range for each of the permeameters are shown in Table 1 . 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 flux density used in this document is synonymous with the term magnetic induction.
1.7 WarningMercury 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
TABLE 1 Permeameters
| Permeameter | Useful Magnetic Field Strength RangeA | H Measuring DeviceB | Reluctance Compensation | Magnetizing Coil Surrounds Specimen | References |
| Oe | kA/m |
| Babbit | 40/1000 | 3.2/80 | I, HC | yes | yes | (1,2) |
| Burroughs | 0.1/300 | 0.008/24 | I | yes | yes | (1,3,4,5) |
| Fahy SimplexC | 0.1/300 | 0.008/24 | HC | no | no | (1,4,5,6,7) |
Fahy Simplex Super H adapterC | 100/2500 | 8/200 | HC | no | no | (1,3) |
| Full range | 0.05/1400 | 0.004/112 | HC | yes | yes | (1,8) |
| High H | 100/5000 | 8/400 | FC | yes | no | (1,5,7,9) |
| Iliovici | 0.5/500 | 0.04/400 | I, HC | yes | yes | (4,10,11) |
| IEC Type A | 0.1/2500 | 0.008/200 | HC, HP | no | yes | IEC 60404-4 |
| IEC Type B | 0.1/630 | 0.008/50 | RCC | no | no | IEC 60404-4 |
| Isthmus | 100/20 000+ | 8/1600+ | HC, HP | no | no | (1,4,12,13) |
| MH | 0.1/300 | 0.008/24 | FC | yes | yes | (1,6,14) |
| NPL | 0.5/2500 | 0.04/200 | I, HC | yes | yes | (15) |
| Saturation | 100/4000 | 8/320 | HC | no | yes | (5,16,17) |
A Although the permeameters are capable of being used at the lower end of the measurement range, the measurement accuracy is reduced.
B Imagnetizing current; HCfixed H coil; FCflip coil; HPHall probe; RCCRogowski-Chattock coil.
C Fahy permeameters require a standard of known magnetic properties for calibration of the H coil.

Note—
A1Multirange ammeter (main current)
A2Multirange ammeter (hysteresis current)
BFlux density test position for Switch S3
FElectronic Integrator
HMagnetic field strength test position for Switch S3
N1Magnetizing coil
N2Flux sensing (B) coil
N3Magnetic field strength sensing coil
R1Main current control rheostat
R2Hysteresis current control rheostat
S1Reversing switch for magnetizing current
S2Shunting switch for hysteresis current control rheostat
S3Integrator selector switch
SPSpecimen
FIG. 1 Basic Circuit Using Permeameter
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately)
The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ASTM Standards
A34/A34M Practice for Sampling and Procurement Testing of Magnetic Materials
A340 Terminology of Symbols and Definitions Relating to Magnetic Testing
A596/A596M Test Method for Direct-Current Magnetic Properties of Materials Using the Ballistic Method and Ring Specimens
IEC Standard
Publication60404-4, Ed. 2.0 Magnetic Materials - Part 4: Methods of Measurement of D.C. Magnetic Properties of Iron and Steel, IEC, 1995
Other Documents
NIST Scientific Paper 117, SPBTA
Keywords
coercive force; induction; magnetic field strength; magnetic test; permeability; permeameter; residual induction: Direct-current permeability; D-c magnetic properties; Direct-current ballistic methods; Hysteresis effects; Induction; Permeameters (direct-current); Ballistic test; Coercive force;
ICS Code
ICS Number Code 29.030 (Magnetic materials)
DOI: 10.1520/A0341_A0341M-00R11
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.
Citing ASTM Standards
[Back to Top]