Experimental Investigation and Modeling of the Influence of Mechanical Stress on Magnetic Domain Structures in Grain-Oriented Electrical Steels

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Ralf Müller; Dr.-Ing. Marek Smaga
• Subject Area: Mechanical Properties of Metallic Materials and their Microstructural Origins ; Mechanics
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 584350431

Electric motors play a central role in the energy transition and electromobility. The rotor and stator, as core components of electric motors, are composed of stacked electrical steel sheets. These sheets possess extremely soft magnetic properties, which can change during operation due to cyclic mechanical stress, so called functional fatigue. The project aims to develop a deeper understanding of the magneto-mechanical interaction in electrical steel sheets at both the microstructural level and the magnetic domain structure level. This will help elucidate the phenomenon of functional fatigue. The goal is pursued through experimental investigations and characterizations, combined with modeling of magnetic domain structures.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants