What materials are used to make transformer cores?

Transformer cores are generally made of silicon steel sheets. Silicon steel is a type of steel containing silicon (also known as silica). The reason for using silicon steel to make transformer cores is that it is a highly permeable magnetic material, which can generate a strong magnetic induction intensity within an energized coil. This allows the volume of the transformer to be reduced.

When a transformer operates under AC conditions, power loss occurs not only in the resistance of the coils but also in the core under the magnetization of alternating current. This power loss in the core is commonly referred to as "iron loss." Iron loss is caused by two factors: one is "hysteresis loss," and the other is "eddy current loss."

There are various materials used to make cores, with common ones including silicon steel sheets and ferrites.

Transformer cores are manufactured based on the principle of electromagnetic induction and primarily serve to conduct magnetic flux. Only when magnetic flux is conducted can the conversion between magnetism and electricity take place. The main functions of a transformer core are to conduct magnetic flux and act as a structural framework. In a transformer, serving as the magnetic conducting component within a constantly changing electromagnetic field, the core's magnetization intensity and magnetic induction intensity are also in constant flux. Almost all transformer cores require high magnetic permeability. A common core shape is the "E-I" or "shell-type" (often described as the Chinese character "日"), where the primary and secondary coils are wound around the central limb.

几个电力与材料领域的专业词汇补充：