A self-consistent magnetoelectric coupling model for GaN-based /Terfenol-D composites

Abstract

A magnetoelectric composites is designed and investigated, which combines GaN-based semiconductor and magnetostrictive Terfenol-D. In this work, we study the polarization charge and strain of the multilayer composites under an applied magnetic field and prestress. In order to quantitatively describe the response of composites under different loading environments, a nonlinear magneto-electric self-consistent coupling model is established based on nonlinear constitutive equation, Schrodinger equation, and Poisson equation. The validity of this model is well-proven by comparing experimental data and numerical results under different magnetic fields. The results demonstrate that the giant magnetostriction effect of Terfenol-D offered large tensile strain to decrease the polarization charge and strain in GaN-based semiconductor layer. These conclusions will be of great help to the basic research of piezomagnetic composite materials as well as guidance for the future device design.