Problems in physical modeling of magnetic materials

Physical modeling of magnetic materials should give insights into the basic processes involved and should be able to extrapolate results to new situations that the models were not necessarily intended to solve. Thus, for example, if a model is designed to describe a static magnetization curve, it should also be able to describe aspects of magnetization dynamics. Both micromagnetic modeling and Preisach modeling, the two most popular magnetic models, fulfill this requirement, but in the process of fulfilling this requirement, they both had to be modified in some ways. Hence, we should view physical modeling as an iterative process whereby we start with some simple assumptions and refine them as reality requires. In the process of refining these assumptions, we should try to appeal to physical arguments for the modifications, if we are to come up with good models. If we consider phenomenological models, on the other hand, that is as axiomatic models requiring no physical justification, we can follow them logically to see the end and examine the consequences of their assumptions. In this way, we can learn the properties, limitations and achievements of the particular model. Physical and phenomenological models complement each other in furthering our understanding of the behavior of magnetic materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]