The Ewing Lecture: Magnetism from the Inside Out
by Prof Stephen Blundell of Clarendon Laboratory, University of Oxford

In his 1891 book Magnetic induction in iron and other metals, J.A. Ewing wrestled with the problem of understanding magnetic properties from the outside, understanding the measurements obtained using bulk macroscopic probes and wrestling with what was going on at the level of what he called “the individual molecules”. I will talk about a microscopic method, developed since Ewing’s time, which is called muon-spin rotation. This uses beams of radioactive particles (muons) implanted in materials to reveal information about magnetism (and also superconductivity) from the inside. I will show that it can be very useful for understanding magnetic materials well outside the narrow class known about in Ewing’s day, including molecular magnets and systems with unusual frozen order.

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‘Superconducting Magnets: the last 30 years – and the next’.
by Dr Martin Wilson of

Exactly 30 years ago the world of superconductivity was galvanized by the discovery of high temperature superconductors, HTS. Although much progress has been made on these materials in the ensuing 30 years, they have yet to make a substantial impact on magnets. After a brief outline of the new materials, my talk will describe three major application areas for superconducting magnets: MRI, Particle Accelerators and Fusion. Much progress has been made in these areas, but using only using the older low temperature materials. For the future, it is hoped that HTS will drive significant developments in all three areas

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History of the UK Magnetics Society
by Prof Rex Harris of University of Birmingham

Computer Aided Design, Simulation and Engineering
by Dr John Simkin of Cobham Technical Services

A review of major milestones in the development of computer simulation methods for electromagnetic fields. Followed by a subjective view of what can now be achieved, what is required and the future possibilities.

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Magnetic Materials for Power Generation Machines
by Dr Peter Tavner of Durham University

This talk will summarise the changes that are currently taking place in power generation machinery as result of the de-carbonisation of the Grid and the application of new electrical and magnetic materials. It will concentrate especially on consideration of: • very slow speed machines, such as those applied in the wind and tidal industries; • very high speed machines, such as are envisaged for large turbine driven generators.

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Bulk Soft Magnetic Materials: Recent History, Current Status and Future Trends
by Prof Tony Moses of Cardiff University

The talk briefly reviews the properties of common families of commercial soft magnetic materials. It then focuses on electrical steels firstly discussing its role increasingly contribution to global waste energy and its development. Long standing deficiencies in the analysis of losses in soft magnetic materials is highlighted together with the growing importance of taking full account of microstructure and texture. Energy saving opportunities by high frequency operation of power magnetic cores is suggested before ending by reviewing possible future trends and opportunities

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Magnetocaloric Cooling
by Prof Lesley Cohen of Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College

In this talk I will review the progress towards solid state magnetic cooling using the magnetocaloric effect. The future of the magnetic refrigeration relies heavily on the availability of high-performance magnetocaloric materials. This drive toward improved performance necessitates the use of materials with a first order transition, but comes at some cost, as first-order materials have complex behavior in magnetic fields. Associated hysteresis in the transition leads to energy losses when cycling and is one of the most pressing issues regarding the development of the magnetic cooling. I will discuss our work in this area and the remaining bottlenecks that need to be resolved before widespread commercialisation.

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Measurement and Sensors
by Dr Dragana Popovic Renella of SENIS AG

According to several market studies, the global magnetic sensors market is expected to reach about USD 4 billion by 2022, more than doubling its size since 2012. It is driven by technological advancements and an increased awareness regarding vehicle safety in the automotive industry as well as escalating demand for navigation enabled smartphones and wearable devices. However, 30 years ago magnetic sensors were considered outdated. But then, the revolutionary discoveries came... In this presentation I will give an overview of the magnetic sensor technologies, compare the sensors used for industrial applications, show some measurement applications, briefly introduce future European R&D projects, and give an outlook for the future.

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Metallic Permanent Magnets over the last 30 Years
by Dr Boris Saje of Kolektor Magnet Technology GmbH

This talk looks at the the last 30 years in metallic permanent magnets but then looks forward a little bit. It includes Sm2Co17, NdFeB and Sm2Fe17N3 from the past and a bit about the new materials, technologies and recycling in the future.

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Prediction of Electromagnetic Losses in Machines - 30 Years of Progress
by Prof Geraint Jewell of University of Sheffield

The accurate prediction of electromagnetic losses in electrical machines has always featured prominently in their design, never more so than at present with the inexorable demands for increased power densities and / or efficiencies. The demands to push power densities up into the many tens of kW / kg for the most demanding of applications come against a backdrop of only marginal, but hard won, improvements in key magnetic material properties. In-depth and precise modelling of material behaviour for the full range of conditions encountered in service is a key underpinning element of the design of future machines, particularly to drive down the contingency and de-rating which has often the filled the knowledge gap on factors such as high frequency switching effects, ageing (particularly at elevated temperatures), manufacturing effects such as stress, non-standard excitation conditions and the uncertainties and tolerances of heat transfer. This presentation will focus on two areas, viz. cores losses in soft magnetic materials (including at elevated temperatures) and induced eddy current losses in permanent magnet materials. It will draw on numerous examples from the activities of the Electrical Machines and Drives Group in Sheffield, to illustrate including bespoke material characterisation.