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INSTITUTE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY

October 12
Experiment# 1
Magnetic Phase Transition
of a Ferromagnetic Alloy 2015
INTRODUCTION:
In this experiment we are performing one of the technique to APPLIED
determine curie temperature of rapidly heated kanthal-D wire. As
we know that when we apply a voltage to wire current is passed
PHYSICS
through it and wire gets Heated and change its magnetic
behavior. By varying amount of voltages we observed its
LAB REPORT
magnetic behavior.

SUBMITTED TO:
SIR WAQAS
SUBMITTED BY:
MUHAMMAD DANISH
MUHAMMAD HARIS
SHER YAR KHAN
ZULKIFAL SHAH
SHAROON BARKAT
MUHAMMAD KHIZAR
KAINAT
Magnetic Phase Transition of a Ferromagnetic Alloy 2015

Contents
LEANING OUTCOME: ............................................................................................................................... 3

OBJECTIVE: ................................................................................................................................................ 3

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND: ............................................................................................................. 4

Electrical energy: ...................................................................................................................................... 4

Ferromagnetism: ....................................................................................................................................... 4

Curie temperature: .................................................................................................................................... 4

Para magnetism: ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Kanthal-D wire: ........................................................................................................................................ 5

Specific Heat Capacity:............................................................................................................................. 5

Stefan-Boltzmann Law: ............................................................................................................................ 6

Apparatus: ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

1) Variable Transformer (VARIAC) ..................................................................................................... 6

2) Control box: ...................................................................................................................................... 7

3) Stopwatch:......................................................................................................................................... 7

4) Clamp meter:..................................................................................................................................... 7

5) Safety gloves: .................................................................................................................................... 8

6) Pole for Kanthal and Magnet Assembly ........................................................................................... 8

7) Kanthal wire: ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Methodology: ................................................................................................................................................ 9

Calculations: ............................................................................................................................................... 10

Measurement of Curie temperature: ....................................................................................................... 10

Result: ......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Conclusion: ................................................................................................................................................. 11

Sources of Error: ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Bibliography: .............................................................................................................................................. 12

QUESTION ANSWERS ............................................................................................................................ 13

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Magnetic Phase Transition of a Ferromagnetic Alloy 2015
Figure 1(Magnetic Phase Transition) ............................................................................................................ 3
Figure 2(Ferromagnetism) ............................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 3(Para magnetism) ............................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 4(Kanthal-D Wire)............................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 5(Variable Transformer) .................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 6(Control Box)................................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 7(Stopwatch)...................................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 8(Clamp meter) .................................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 9(Safety gloves) ................................................................................................................................. 8
Figure 10 (Pole for wire & magnet assembly) .............................................................................................. 8
Figure 11 (Kanthal-D Wire).......................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 12(Experimental Setup) ..................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 13(Voltage, Current & Time Values) .............................................................................................. 11
Figure 14(FUSE & BREAKER) ................................................................................................................. 15
Figure 15(EARTH WIRE) .......................................................................................................................... 15

Table 1(Curie temperature of materials) ....................................................................................................... 4


Table 2(Heat capacities of Different Substances) ......................................................................................... 6
Table 4(Curie equation constants) .............................................................................................................. 10
Table 5(KANTHALD-WIRE Properties) ................................................................................................... 13

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Magnetic Phase Transition of a Ferromagnetic Alloy 2015

Figure 1(Magnetic Phase Transition)

LEARNING OUTCOME:
In this experiment, we will
1. Learn how to handle large currents safely.
2. Understand the concept of electrical properties of materials and magnetism of
different materials.
3. Familiarize ourselves with common electrical test equipment such as the voltmeter,
ammeter, multimeter, clamp meter and circuit components such as the circuit breaker
and variable transformer (VARIAC).
4. Effect of voltage on material & its magnetic phase transitions.

OBJECTIVE:
To calculate the Curie temperature of a ferromagnetic material i.e. Kanthal-D
wire by varying the amount of voltage and current passing through it. Values of voltage,
current and the time at which wire get demagnetized needs to be measured and then an
appropriate set of calculations need to be carried out in order to calculate the Curie
temperature.

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Magnetic Phase Transition of a Ferromagnetic Alloy 2015

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND:
Electrical energy:
Electrical energy is the energy newly derived from electric potential energy.
When loosely used to describe energy absorbed or delivered by an electrical circuit (for
example, one provided by an electric power utility) “electrical energy” talks about energy
which has been converted from electrical potential

Ferromagnetism:
These are the materials that can be magnetized by an external magnetic field
and remain magnetized after the external field is removed. In the presence of magnetic field
the domain of ferromagnetic becomes aligned and they remain aligned for a long time even
after the magnetic field is removed.
Only a few substances are ferromagnetic. The common ones are iron, nickel, cobalt
and most of their alloys like alnico (aluminum nickel cobalt), some compounds of rare earth
metals, and a few naturally-occurring minerals such as lodestone. (1)

Figure 2(Ferromagnetism)
Curie temperature:
It is the temperature at which certain magnetic materials undergo a sharp change in their
magnetic properties i.e. it changes from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic because on increasing
the temperature the domains of the ferromagnetic material no longer remain aligned. At
certain temperature (Curie temperature) the domains become so distorted that ferromagnetic
is converted to paramagnet. (2)

Materials Curie Temperature (K)


Iron 1043
Cobalt 1400
Nickel 627
CrO2 386
Iron oxide 948

Table 1(Curie temperature of materials)

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Magnetic Phase Transition of a Ferromagnetic Alloy 2015

Para magnetism:
These materials are slightly attracted by a magnetic field and the material does not
retain the magnetic properties when the external field is removed. Paramagnetic properties
are due to the presence of unpaired electrons, and from the realignment of the electron paths
caused by removing the external magnetic field.
Paramagnetic materials include magnesium, molybdenum and lithium.

Figure 3(Para magnetism)


Kanthal-D wire:
Kanthal is alloy of iron-chromium-aluminium.It is used in wide range of resistance
and high-temperature applications. Kanthal (FeCrAl) alloys consist of mainly iron, chromium
(20–30%) and aluminum (4–7.5 %). (3)

Figure 4(Kanthal-D Wire)


Specific Heat Capacity:
Temperature and heat are not the same thing:
 Temperature is a measure of how hot something is
 Heat is a measure of the thermal energy contained in an object.
Temperature is measured in °C, and heat is measured in J. When heat energy is
transferred to an object, its temperature increase depends upon the:
 The mass of the object
 The substance the object is made from
 The amount energy transferred to the object.
For a particular object, the more heat energy transferred to it, the greater its temperature
increase.
The specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of energy needed to change the
temperature of 1kg of the substance by 1°C. Different substances have different specific heat
capacities.

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Magnetic Phase Transition of a Ferromagnetic Alloy 2015

The table shows some examples.

Substance Specific heat capacity in J / kg °C


Water 4181
Oxygen 918
Lead 128

Table 2(Heat capacities of Different Substances)


Stefan-Boltzmann Law:
Stefan. Boltzmann law states that:
The total radiant heat energy emitted from a surface is proportional to
the fourth power of its absolute temperature.
If E is the radiant heat energy emitted from a unit area in one second and T is the
absolute temperature (in degrees Kelvin), then
𝑬 = 𝝈𝑻𝟒
The Greek letter sigma (σ) representing the constant of proportionality, called the
Stefan–Boltzmann constant. This constant has the value 5.6704 x𝟏𝟎−𝟖 watt per 𝒎𝟐 𝑲𝟒 .
The law applies only to blackbodies, theoretical surfaces that absorb all incident heat
radiations.

Apparatus:
1) Variable Transformer (VARIAC)
The VARIAC is a variable transformer with a range of 0V-250V. The AC
mains supply from WAPDA (or the local generator) is connected across the primary
coil and the variable output is taken from the sliding contact on the output side. The
voltage is step down in the ratio of
𝑽𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑵𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑰𝒐𝒖𝒕
= =
𝑽𝒊𝒏 𝑵 𝒊𝒏 𝑰𝒊𝒏

Where 𝑵𝒊𝒏 and 𝑵𝒐𝒖𝒕 are the total number of turns in the primary coil and the turns
between the output tap and ground.

Figure 5(Variable Transformer)

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2) Control box:
It is used to switch the circuit ON and OFF. It also has an emergency stop
button and a circuit breaker along with a built-in voltmeter and an ammeter.

Figure 6(Control Box)


3) Stopwatch:
To measure the time for which the kanthal-D wire remains attached to the magnet.

Figure 7(Stopwatch)
4) Clamp meter:
It measures the current passing through the wire. Currents are measured with the help
of a clamp meter. The jaws of the clamp meter surround the wire through which the
current is to be determined. Its range is 200A-600A.

Figure 8(Clamp meter)

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5) Safety gloves:
To ensure safety from high voltages. It is made of insulator (i.e Rubber)

Figure 9(Safety gloves)


6) Pole for Kanthal and Magnet Assembly
The Kanthal wire is hooked up between porcelain insulators fixed to the top
and bottom arms. The middle arm has an array of ferrite disk magnets epoxied onto an
alumina silicate base. The whole pole assembly is made of mild steel.

Figure 10 (Pole for wire & magnet assembly)


7) Kanthal wire:
A high resistance wire of which the Curie temperature is to be measured.

Figure 11 (Kanthal-D Wire)

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Methodology:
1) Set up the apparatus as shown.

Figure 12(Experimental Setup)


2) Attach the wire to the magnet. Ensure that there is a piece of silica between the
kanthal-D wire and the magnet so that current does not flows from the wire to the
stand.
3) Set a minimum value of voltage on the variac and record this value.
4) Switch on the circuit from the control box and record the corresponding reading of
current from the clamp meter while starting the stopwatch simultaneously.
5) Stop the stopwatch as soon as the kanthal wire detaches from the magnet and then
switch off the circuit.
6) Increase the voltage on the variac and repeat the steps above.
7) Obtain a suitable number of readings and record them in the following table.
S.NO. VOLTAGE(V) CURRENT(A) TIME(S)
1
2

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Magnetic Phase Transition of a Ferromagnetic Alloy 2015

Calculations:
Measurement of Curie temperature:
The electrical energy supplied in a certain interval of time is defined as
𝑬𝑻 = Power × time = P × t
Power = Voltage × current = 𝑽 × 𝑰
ET = VIt ……………………………………… (1)

In the present experiment, this energy is used up in two processes:


1. Absorbed by the heating element, raising its temperature from the ambient room
temperature TO to the Curie temperature TC and
2. Radiated away by the heating element.
The energy absorbed 𝑬𝑨 may be expressed as
𝑬𝑨 = mc (TC – TO) …………………………….. (2)
Where,
m = mass of the wire and
c = specific heat capacity.

The energy radiated 𝑬𝑹 form the wire is,


𝑬𝑹 = 𝜺𝝈𝑺 (𝑻𝟒𝑪 - 𝑻𝟒𝑶 ) × t ……………………… (3)

Where
𝑻𝑪 = Curie temperature,
ε = is the emissivity,
σ = 5.675 ×10−87W/𝑚2 𝐾 4 (Stefan-Boltzmann constant)
S = surface area of the heating element ( 𝜋𝑑𝐿)

Total energy = Energy absorbed + Energy radiated


𝐸𝑇 = 𝐸𝐴 + 𝐸𝑅
Substituting equations (1), (2) and (3) in the Energy equation we get

𝟒
𝑽𝑰+ԑ𝝈𝑺𝑻𝒐 𝟒
Tc = √ ……………………… (4)
ԑ𝝈𝑺

The constant values required for this calculation are given in the following table.
Emissivity of the wire (𝜖) 0.7
Boltzmann constant (𝜎) 5.675×10-8 W/𝑚2 𝐾 4
Length of Kanthal wire (L) 1m
Diameter of the Kanthal wire 4.5E-3m
Room temperature (TO) 26OC or 299 K

Table 3(Curie equation constants)

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The values obtained by the experiment are:

S.no. Voltage (V) Current (A) Time (sec)


1 21 5.9 27.07
2 22 6.15 19.27
3 24 6.6 16.79

Figure 13(Voltage, Current & Time Values)

Mean Voltage is 22.33V and mean current is 6.21A

Put these values into the equation (4) to calculate the Curie temperature,

4 VI
TC = √ + To4
ԑσS

4 (22.33𝑉)(6.21𝐴)
𝑇𝐶 = √ + (299𝐾)4
(0.7)(5.675 × 10−8 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾 4 )(0.014𝑚2 )

4 (22.33)(6.21)𝑊
𝑇𝐶 = √ + (299𝐾)4
(0.7)(5.675 × 10−8 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾 4 )(0.014𝑚2 )

4
𝑇𝐶 = √2.49 ∈ 11 𝐾 4 + 7.99 ∈ 10 𝐾 4
4
𝑇𝐶 = √3.289 ∈ 11 𝐾 4

𝑇𝐶 = 757.29 𝐾

Result:
The Kanthal D-wire used in the current experiment demagnetized at a curie temperature of
757.29 𝐾 (i.e 484.29 OC).

Conclusion:
The value calculated from this experiment is therefore, exhibiting an error of 19.28%.
Moreover, it can also be observed that the time for which the Kanthal wire remains attached
to the magnet decreases as the amount of voltage passing through it increases so it can be
deduced that the Kanthal wire loses its magnetism more quickly as the rate of heat energy
provided to it increases as its domains lose their alignment more quickly.

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Magnetic Phase Transition of a Ferromagnetic Alloy 2015

Sources of Error:
1) The numbers of values taken from the experiment are not enough so more readings
should be taken and a graph should be plotted to obtain a more accurate value.
2) The uncertainties in the values of voltage, current, time and emissivity are not taken
into account so they should be considered when calculating the value of Curie
temperature.
3) The time calculated with the help of stopwatch is not accurate due to the addition of
human reaction time so a system of sensors connected to an electronic stopwatch
should be used.

Bibliography:
1. [Online] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferromagnetism.

2. [Online] http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/146902/Curie-point.

3. Wikipedia-The free encylopedia. [Online] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanthal.

4. [Online] http://kanthal.com/en/products/material-datasheets/wire/resistance-heating-wire-
and-resistance-wire/kanthal-d/.

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QUESTION ANSWERS
Q1: what is coercivity?

Ans: For ferromagnetic material the coercivity is the intensity of the applied magnetic field
required to reduce the magnetization of that material to zero after the magnetization of the
sample has been reached to saturation.

Q2: which material has more coercivity; Soft iron or steel?

Ans: steel has more coercivity as it’s a hard metal.

Q3: why we use AC in our household usage?

Ans: we use AC due to its less power loss and its ability to be stepped down and step up the
voltage for different household appliances by using transformers, which DC cannot do. It can
also be transferred to long distances with less power loss.

Q4: What is the composition of Kanthal-D wire?

Ans: Kanthal D is a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy (FeCrAl alloy) for use at


temperatures up to 1300°C (2370°F). The alloy is characterized by high resistivity and good
oxidation resistance.
Table 4(KANTHALD-WIRE Properties)

Property Value

Composition 73% Fe, 22%Cr, 4.8% Al


Specific heat capacity c 460 J 𝐾𝑔−1 𝐾 −1
Emissivity 0.7
Melting point 1500 °C

Q5: What is the reason of earth’s magnetic field?

Ans: Scientists believe the magnetic field is generated deep inside the Earth where the
heat of the planet's solid inner core churns a liquid outer core of iron and nickel. The solid
inner core is thought to be a mass of iron about the size of the moon that is heated to several
thousand degrees Fahrenheit.

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Q6: Distinguish between hard and soft magnetic materials?

Ans:
S.NO. HARD MAGNETIC MATERIALS SOFT MAGNETIC MATERIALS
1 Materials which retain their Soft magnetic materials are easy to
magnetism and are difficult to magnetize and demagnetize.
demagnetize are called hard magnetic These materials are used for making
materials. temporary magnets. The domain wall
These materials retain their movement is easy. Hence they are easy to
magnetism even after the removal of magnetize. By annealing the cold worked
the applied magnetic field. Hence material, the dislocation density is reduced
these materials are used for making and the domain wall movement is made
permanent magnets. In permanent easier. Soft magnetic materials should not
magnets the movement of the domain possess any void and its structure should be
wall is prevented. They are prepared homogeneous so that the materials are not
by heating the magnetic materials to affected by impurities.
the required temperature and then
quenching them. Impurities increase
the strength of hard magnetic
materials.
2 They have large hysteresis loss due to They have low hysteresis loss due to small
large hysteresis loop area. hysteresis area.
3 Coercivity and retentivity values are Coercivity and retentivity values are less.
large.
4 Magnetic energy stored is high. Since they have low retentivity and
coercivity, they are not used for making
permanent magnets.
5 They possess high value of BH Magnetic energy stored is less.
product.
6 The eddy current loss is high. The eddy current loss is less because of high
resistivity.

Q7: Which magnetic material is used in the core of transformer?

Ans: core of the transformer is made up of soft iron core.

Q: 8 which one is better to make permanent magnet, iron or steel?

Ans: steel is a better material to make permanent magnet as it’s coercivity as well its
hysteresis loop is greater which means it requires more energy to magnetize as well
demagnetize.

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Magnetic Phase Transition of a Ferromagnetic Alloy 2015

Q9: how does the clamp meter work will it work for DC?

Ans: Ordinary clamp meters used to measure AC currents work on the principle of
electromagnetic induction caused by the alternating current flowing in the conductor which
reverses direction causing a dynamically changing magnetic field. However, in DC
conductors, the current flows in a fixed polarity. Consequently, the magnetic field around the
conductor is fixed and does not change. Hence, a conventional clamp meter will register no
reading. But a special modified one does.

Q10: what is the difference a circuit breaker and a fuse?

Figure 14(FUSE & BREAKER)


Ans: as is clear from the two pictures there are two major differences between the two, fuse is
an analogue system and circuit breaker is a digital system which can be used multi times, a
fuse employs a wire with low resistivity value it melts over a specific temperature when large
current passes through, value of current depends on wire’s resistivity, this wire being melt
breaks the circuit and stops the current from flowing through, and hence need to be replaced
after it melts. And a circuit breaker uses magnetism it automatically shuts the power supply
when large amount of current passes through, it need not to be reinstalled like a fuse but just
the button is turned up. This is the basic difference.
Q: 11 what is the function of earth wire? Draw a simple diagram to describe your reasoning?

Ans: The earth wire is a crucial part of the home electrical system and is designed to protect
against electric shock. If faults occur in the electrical system, the electricity will flow to
earth by the shortest and easiest path.

Figure 15(EARTH WIRE)

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Q: 12 what is the role of the magnetic contractor in a circuit?

Ans: These are one of the Basic Switching Element in the High Power Electrical circuits, in
which through small current (or power), Higher Current (or power) can be controlled. From
two Basic switching elements (i.e. like push button or on/off switch) Magnetic contactor
work in a place where the later one is required.

Q13: why have we used metal to construct the pole?

Ans:

Q14: why have we used porcelain for mounting the heating element on the pole?

Ans: It is a very Good ceramic electrical insulator, it can bear greater degree of temperature
than other insulators with having little effect on its properties. Moreover it is capable of
holding the weight or tension of the material to be hanged.

Q15: why can’t we attach magnets directly to the metallic poles, why do we need to insert
alumina ceramic in between?

Ans: Since magnets are used to magnetize kanthal D-wire, therefore they are connected to
it through insulator. What might happen if this insulator fails is, current directly flows
through the magnets and through it to the pole, if another insulator (Alumina silicate) is not
used as precautionary. If there is no insulator between magnets and pole than not even
magnets would be destroyed because of high current but also it will make the system short, as
the pole is connected to the earth.

Q16: How tester works?

Ans: The tip of the tester is touched to the conductor being tested (for instance, it can be
used on a wire in a switch, or inserted into a hole of an electric socket). A neon lamp takes
very little current to light, and thus can use the user's body capacitance to earth ground to
complete the circuit.

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Q: 17 what are the different color codes for wires in live, neutral and earth? Also suggest
why additional colors are used?

The electrical color coding system is used is active (live) brown (red); neutral, blue (black);
and earth, green/yellow strip (green).

These are the color codes for wires carrying D.C current, but to completely define the A.C
current one must use additional colors to describe the phase shift between the live wires.
Therefore two additional colors are being standardized for the purpose.
Q: 18 what is Exchange Energy?

Ans: Exchange Energy is that energy which is the amount of energy transferred by a high
energy domain to a lower energy domain so as to keep it aligned and keeping the overall
magnetic effect by keeping mutual alignment of the magnetic fields of the domains. That
energy transferred is called exchange energy.
Q: 19 what will happen when thermal energy overcomes the exchange energy?

Ans: The thermal energy makes the atoms vibrate faster and lose their alignments at
temperatures where thermal energy overcomes the exchange energy which is called the curie
temperature, substances lose their magnetization due to the disturbed alignment of their
atoms which disturbs the overall field alignment and hence a Ferro magnet is converted into a
para magnet, this temperature varies for different substances.
Q: 20 identify any three paramagnetic materials in your surroundings?

Ans: there are many paramagnetic materials surrounding us, e.g. aluminum (used as foils
etc.), platinum (used in jewelry, and electro plating) and potassium, these substances have
dipoles randomly arranged so that there is no overall net magnetic field.

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