Analytical vector generalization of the classical Stoner–Wohlfarth hysteron

Abstract

In view of the difficulties in using the well-known Stoner–Wohlfarth (SW) ferromagneticsingle-domain particle as a vector hysteresis unit in statistical models of hysteresis like thePreisach-type model or in micromagnetic models, we propose a new description of thesingle-domain ferromagnetic grains by using a vector hysteron (VH) as the 2D and 3Dgeneralization of the rectangular hysteron. The vector hysteron introduced from magneticsymmetry considerations describes analytically the properties of a range of single-domainferromagnetic particles and also provides the physical motivation for the linear form of theenergy barrier used in several dynamic models. In this paper we show the maincharacteristics of the analytical vector hysteron by comparing it with the well-knownStoner–Wohlfarth model. We compare the hysteresis curves, switching fields and energeticproperties of the uniaxial single-domain particles as provided by the two models.