A Description for the Anisotropy of Magnetic Properties of Grain-Oriented Steels

A methodology to evaluate the anisotropy of magnetic properties of grain-oriented steel sheets is presented. The approach is based on the orientation distribution function (ODF) theory. The existence of sheet symmetry and orthorhombic symmetry of body-centered cubic iron crystal is discussed with ODF. As a result, in order to characterize the magnetic properties, it is sufficient to carry out measurements for three directions, since the evaluated property is directly related to the magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The presented approach may be a useful tool for the designers of magnetic circuits in electrical machines.