Automation of magnetic measurements in an experimental induction furnace

The overarching goal of the larger research initiative, of which this work is a part, is to develop a method for deriving material characteristics from magnetic measurements. This study focuses on establishing a robust measurement setup and procedures for accurately determining the magnetic properties of metal samples, primarily steel samples. Rather than establishing direct correlations between magnetic and material properties, this work is concerned with developing a reliable measurement methodology. The correlations needed to link magnetic properties to material characteristics will be the subject of future studies. The applied measurement principle relies on inducing a magnetic field in the sample and recording its response. This is achieved by attaching a three-legged yoke to the sample, which houses an excitation coil for generating the magnetic field and two recording coils for capturing the response. The recorded voltages can be converted into a hysteresis loop, providing a characteristic fingerprint for different materials. The key aspect of this work was to develop a fully integrated system with a clear emphasis on streamlining measurement control within a unified process while maintaining a consistent data model. The system was designed to enable inline quality monitoring, ensure a well-structured data flow, and support flexible data management. It was developed to handle multi-batch experiments efficiently and provide a scalable framework for future measurements, with all data stored in a single database. To validate the system, extensive measurements were conducted on a diverse set of samples with varying properties. This allowed for the construction of a database of known responses while simultaneously testing the operational limits of the setup. By systematically exploring different measurement conditions, we assessed the system¿s performance, identified potential constraints, and refined the procedures for reliable operation. Additionally, drift correction and data normalization methods were developed to ensure the generation of consistent and comparable hysteresis loops. A critical finding was that excessive heat exposure led to coil degradation, increasing resistance and limiting achievable currents. This insight has significant implications for the future design of the measurement setup.