Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific magnetic alloy: Permalloy is a metallic alloy composed primarily of nickel and iron, typically in an 80% nickel and 20% iron ratio. It is characterized by its high magnetic permeability, meaning it is easily magnetized and demagnetized, and exhibits very low magnetic hysteresis loss.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The transformer core was made from permalloy to ensure efficient operation.
  • Permalloy's unique magnetic properties make it ideal for use in sensitive electrical components.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In electrical engineering and physics, "permalloy" specifically refers to this high-permeability alloy used in magnetic shielding, transformer cores, and magnetic recording heads.
  • The research team shielded the experiment from external magnetic fields using a layer of permalloy.

Variants and Related Words

• Superpermalloy: (n) A refined version of permalloy with an even higher magnetic permeability, often containing additional elements like molybdenum.
  • Superpermalloy is used in the most demanding applications requiring extreme magnetic softness.

Synonyms

• High-permeability alloy: A general term for alloys with properties similar to permalloy.
• Magnetic alloy: A broader category that includes permalloy and other alloys like silicon steel.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Permalloy core: A core for a transformer or inductor made from permalloy.
  • The device's efficiency was improved by implementing a permalloy core.
• Permalloy shield: A protective enclosure made from permalloy to block magnetic fields.
  • The sensitive electronics were placed inside a permalloy shield.

Noun

1. an 80/20 alloy of nickel and iron; easily magnetized and demagnetized