Identification of hysteresis loops

Abstract A classical model representing several hysteresis phenomena (as they appear in ferromagnetism and in porous media filtration, e.g.) is considered here. It is demonstrated that the parameters of this model can be determined with any desired precision from suitable experiments. We use the mathematical model of hysteresis as introduced by Preisach, who explained the magnetization curve and saturation loop of the material by a superposition of elementary rectangular loops. A certain properly defined measure is responsible for the shape of the loop. We describe a new algorithm which determines this measure completely. Our results are related to previous papers of Biorci and Pescetti. Extensive numerical computations conclude our investigations.