Magnetization Mechanism of Si-Gradient Steel Sheet Manufactured by CVD Siliconizing Process

Si-gradient steel sheet, which has a silicon concentration gradient in the sheet thickness direction, manufactured by the chemical vapor deposition siliconizing process, possesses unique magnetic properties. In this paper, the magnetization behaviors of single crystals of Si-gradient steel sheet are investigated in the < 100 > and < 110 > directions, comparing with Si-homogeneous steel sheet, in order to clarify the magnetization mechanism. The internal stress of Si-gradient steel sheet was evaluated. The induced magnetic anisotropy which arising according to the magnetoelastic effect is considered to play an important role in the magnetization process of Si-gradient steel sheet. The reduction of eddy current loss can be explained by the effect of the magnetic flux concentration at the sheet surface resulting from the internal stress.