A test stand to measure the magnetization work of magnetocaloric materials.

Abstract

The experimental apparatus presented in this study is capable of precisely measuring the magnetic force produced by a permanent magnets assembly over a magnetocaloric material at a regulated temperature. This data is then used to calculate the magnetization work necessary to bring the given magnetocaloric sample from zero field up to a 1 T field region over a given magnetic field gradient, for a range of temperatures around the Curie temperature of the material. This magnetization work can be used to compare different magnetocaloric materials, as well as to validate analytic methods to estimate the magnetization work of real applications in magnetic refrigeration, and thermomagnetic motors. Construction details of the test stand are presented as well as results for Gadolinium (Gd) and Manganese Arsenide (MnAs).