Generalized Dynamic Modeling of Iron-Gallium Alloy (Galfenol) for Transducers

Yimin Tan,Jean Zu,Zuguang Zhang

doi:10.4236/jamp.2015.38120

Yimin Tan, Jean Zu + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/jamp.2015.38120

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Abstract

In this research, using the energy approach, a generalized dynamic model is derived for Galfenol (Iron-Gallium Alloy) based on the mechanical strain theory and the Jiles-Atherton model. Experiments have been conducted to measure the relationship between the strain and the magnetic field. Using experimental data, unknown parameters in the model have been identified by a developed optimization algorithm. Results show that the novel dynamic model with identified parameters is capable of describing the performance of the Galfenol rod. Simulation and experiment dynamic responses of Galfenol rods are derived. The simulation and the experiment both agree that the magnitude of the strain output decreases with the increase of the excitation frequency.

Highlights

With the advancement of high precision engineering, smart materials have attracted a lot of attention in decades
The equations of motion are derived for Galfenol rods using the energy approach
In order to identify unknown parameters in the Jiles-Atherton model for Galfenol, an optimization program has been developed based on the simulated annealing and the nonlinear least square algorithms

Summary

Introduction

With the advancement of high precision engineering, smart materials have attracted a lot of attention in decades. There are several favourite smart materials: shape memory alloy, piezoelectric material and traditional magnetostrictive materials (Metaglass 2605SC and Terfenol-D). The above listed materials have been employed in versatile applications, either the geometry complexity or the brittle nature prevents these materials from further applications. The research status starts to change upon the arrival of a novel magnetostrictive material, Galfenol, which is an alloy of iron and gallium. The high tensile strength and the high Currie temperature allow this material to work in harsh environment. Galfenol has an excellent machinability [1] that increases this material’s popularity, especially in miniature applications. Galfenol can be used with a simple configuration and assembly, because Galfenol does not need a pre-stress mechanism which benefits from the built-in anisotropic behaviour through the stress annealing process of Galfenol

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