A numerical dynamic model of giant magnetostrictive actuator

A numerical dynamic and strong coupled model of giant magnetostrictive actuator was founded. According to the model and the measured magnetic characteristic of giant magnetostrictive material, the relation between the magnet field and the output displacement of the actuator was calculated by means of the finite element method. A comparison between the calculating result and the experimental one for the actuator was carried out and it was found that they were in agreement well. This indicates that the numerical dynamic model can be used for the design of giant magnetostrictive actuator.

I. Introduction

The rare-earth Giant Magnetostrictive Material (GMM), such as Terfenol-D, is a new type of functional materials which can produce large deformation when it is in magnetic field. For its high dynamic strain and high energy coupling factor, GMM is more suitable to be used in actuator than other smart material such as piezoceramics and electrostrictives. As a novel type of device which transfers electro-magnetic energy to mechanical energy, giant magnetostrictive actuator can be used in micro-orientation system, precision mechanical process, mocro-valve system, etc.