Fast and simple method for Goss texture evaluation by neutron diffraction

Requirement of low power losses is one of the crucial demands laid on properties of electric steel sheets used in construction of various magnetic circuits. For cold-rolled grain- oriented (CRGO) Fe-3%Si sheets used in majority of power distribution transformers, the Goss texture {110} is known to provide the best utility properties (low power loses, high magnetic permeability). Due to the coarse grain size of CRGO steel, neutron diffraction (ND) is dominantly used to characterize the sheets' texture in order to achieve statistically significant data. In this paper, we present a fast and simple method for characterization of Goss texture perfection level in CRGO steel sheets based on monochromatic ND. The method is tested on 8 samples differing in fabrication technology and magnetic properties. Satisfactory performance of the method and its suitability for a detail texture analyses is tested by juxtaposition of the obtained textural and the magnetic characteristics measured by Barkhausen method.