Recasting magnetic hysteresis problem in terms of Rayleigh’s variational principle

Abstract A general approach based on Rayleigh’s variational principle is proposed for the derivation of the magnetic constitutive relation in systems involving hysteresis. The formal relation of the herein derived general formulation with classical models of magnetic hysteresis such as the low-field Rayleigh model and the Jiles–Atherton model is demonstrated. The model predictions for the magnetisation and the magnetic susceptibility are confronted with experimental curves obtained for two different carbon-steel grades.