Magnetic Orientation Research Articles

Tunable abundant valley Hall effect and chiral spin-valley locking in Janus monolayer VCGeN4.

It is both conceptually and practically fascinating to explore fundamental research studies and practical applications of two-dimensional systems with the tunable abundant valley Hall effect. In this work, based on first-principles calculations, the tunable abundant valley Hall effect is proved to appear in Janus monolayer VCGeN4. When the magnetization is along the out-of-plane direction, VCGeN4 is an intrinsic ferromagnetic semiconductor with a valley feature. The intriguing spontaneous valley polarization exists in VCGeN4 due to the common influence of broken inversion and time-reversal symmetries, which makes it easier to realize the anomalous valley Hall effect. Furthermore, we observe that the valley-non-equilibrium quantum anomalous Hall effect is driven by external strain, which is located between two half-valley-metal states. When reversing the magnetization, the spin flipping makes the position of the edge state to change from one valley to another valley, demonstrating an intriguing behavior known as chiral spin-valley locking. Although the easy magnetic axis orientation is along the in-plane direction, we can utilize an external magnetic field to transform the magnetic axis orientation. Moreover, it is found that the valley state, electronic and magnetic properties can be well regulated by the electric field. Our works explore the mechanism of the tunable abundant valley Hall effect by applying an external strain and electric field, which provides a perfect platform to investigate the spin, valley, and topology.

Quark matter and quark star in color-flavor-locked phase

In this work, we investigate the thermodynamical properties of strange quark matter (SQM) and color-flavor-locked (CFL) quark matter under strong magnetic fields by using a quasiparticle model. We calculate the energy density and the corresponding anisotropic pressure of both SQM and CFL quark matter. Our results indicate that CFL quark matter exhibits greater stability than the SQM, and the pressure of CFL quark matter increases with the energy gap constant <inline-formula><tex-math id="Z-20240223200049">\begin{document}$\varDelta $\end{document}</tex-math><alternatives><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200049.jpg"/><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200049.png"/></alternatives></inline-formula> increasing. We also observe that the oscillation effects coming from the lowest Landau level can be reduced by increasing the energy gap constant <inline-formula><tex-math id="Z-20240223200123">\begin{document}$ \varDelta $\end{document}</tex-math><alternatives><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200123.jpg"/><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200123.png"/></alternatives></inline-formula>, which cannot be observed in SQM under a similar strong magnetic field. The equivalent quark mass for u, d, and s quark and the chemical potential for each flavor of quarks decrease with the energy gap constant <inline-formula><tex-math id="Z-20240223200141">\begin{document}$ \varDelta $\end{document}</tex-math><alternatives><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200141.jpg"/><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200141.png"/></alternatives></inline-formula> increasing, which matches the conclusion that CFL quark matter is more stable than SQM. From the calculations of the magnetars with SQM and CFL quark matter, we find that the maximum mass of magnetars increases with the energy gap constant <inline-formula><tex-math id="Z-20240223200204">\begin{document}$\varDelta $\end{document}</tex-math><alternatives><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200204.jpg"/><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200204.png"/></alternatives></inline-formula> increasing for both the longitudinal and the transverse orientation distribution of magnetic field. Additionally, the tidal deformability of the magnetars increases with the <inline-formula><tex-math id="Z-20240223200231">\begin{document}$\varDelta $\end{document}</tex-math><alternatives><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200231.jpg"/><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200231.png"/></alternatives></inline-formula> increasing. On the other hand, the central baryon density of the maximum mass of the magnetars decreases with the <inline-formula><tex-math id="Z-20240223200245">\begin{document}$\varDelta $\end{document}</tex-math><alternatives><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200245.jpg"/><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="5-20231649_Z-20240223200245.png"/></alternatives></inline-formula> increasing. The results also indicate that the mass-radius lines of the CFL quark star can also satisfy the new estimates of the mass-radius region from PSR J0740 + 6620, PSR J0030 + 0451, and HESS J1731-347.

Molecular rectification induced by magnetization alignment in organic-ferromagnetic devices.

Spin-dependent transport in ferromagnet/organic-ferromagnet/ferromagnet junctions is investigated theoretically under different alignment of magnetization orientations. The results demonstrate a significant current rectification at low bias voltages, and the rectifying direction relies on the relative magnetization orientation in each component. The orbital analysis demonstrates two underlying mechanisms for the rectification, the slight structural asymmetry of the molecule from spin radicals and distinct spin match between conducting electrons and the magnetic molecule upon the reversal of bias. The latter is responsible for the strong low-bias rectification and relies on the magnetization alignment. The effects of parameter strength, temperature and size on the rectification are discussed. This work explores a new route to achieve high-performance molecular rectifiers operating at low bias with controlled rectifying direction.

Spacecraft Outgassing Observed by the BepiColombo Ion Spectrometers

AbstractDuring the first flyby of the BepiColombo composite spacecraft at Mercury in October 2021 ion spectrometers observed two intense spectral lines with energies between 10 and 70 eV. The spectral lines persisted also at larger distances from Mercury and were observed again at lower intensity during cruise phase in March 2022 and at the second and third Mercury flyby as a single band. The ion composition indicates that water is the dominant gas source. The outgassing causes the composite spacecraft to charge up to a negative potential of up to −50 V. The distribution and intensity of the lower energy signal depends on the intensity of low energy electron fluxes around the spacecraft which again depend on the magnetic field orientation. We interpret the observation as being caused by water outgassing from different source locations on the spacecraft being ionized in two different regions of the surrounding potential. The interpretation is confirmed by two dimensional particle‐in‐cell simulations.

Electron extraction mechanism of magnet array microwave discharge neutralizer

Microwave discharge neutralizer is an important part of microwave discharge ion thruster system, which plays a vital role in maintaining potential balance between spacecraft and neutralizing ion beam. Its electron extraction property directly affects the operation condition of ion thruster system. In order to break through the power limit of miniature microwave discharge ion thruster, a magnet array microwave discharge ion thruster system is designed and tested. In the experiment on finalizing magnetic field structure of magnet array microwave discharge neutralizer, an interesting phenomenon is found that the <i>I</i>-<i>V</i> curves of electron current, after rotating the magnetic array orientation, are very different. Defining forward direction of magnet array can normally extract electrons, then backward direction of magnet array can hardly extract electrons. Because the diameter of discharge chamber is only 10 mm, it is too small to perform Langmuir probe diagnosis. And thus, an integrative particle-in-cell method is used to simulate the neutralizer operation processes of two different magnetic field structures, and for the sake of accuracy, real vacuum permittivity is used. The simulation results show good consistence with experimental phenomenon. In the initial discharge process, it is found that the magnetic field gradient leads to different plasma distributions; in electron extraction process, it is found that the potential distribution near the orifice determines the electron extraction property of the neutralizer. Through comparing the plasma parameter distributions under different magnetic field structures and operating voltages, an assumption that the ion is an important factor in electron extraction process is proposed. Then, a simulation that ions disappear artificially outside the orifice is conducted, and the simulation results show that electrons cannot be effectively extracted without ions near the orifice. According to the simulation and experiment results, two necessary conditions are summarized for electron extraction of the neutralizer. The first condition is magnetic field structure: the magnetic field gradient should point towards the orifice to guide plasma migration towards the orifice, the second one is potential distribution: there should be enough ions to lift the potential near the orifice for reducing or breaking the potential well. These two conditions can help understand the electron extraction mechanism of microwave discharge neutralizer and provide theoretical reference for optimizing the performance of neutralizer in future.

Automated Estimation of Magnetic Sensor Position and Orientation in Measurement Facilities

Automated Estimation of Magnetic Sensor Position and Orientation in Measurement Facilities

Low-Friction Soft Robots for Targeted Bacterial Infection Treatment in Gastrointestinal Tract.

Untethered and self-transformable miniature robots are capable of performing reconfigurable deformation and on-demand locomotion, which aid the traversal toward various lumens, and bring revolutionary changes for targeted delivery in gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, the viscous non-Newtonian liquid environment and plicae gastricae obstacles severely hamper high-precision actuation and payload delivery. Here, we developed a low-friction soft robot by assembly of densely arranged cone structures and grafting of hydrophobic monolayers. The magnetic orientation encoded robot can move in multiple modes, with a substantially reduced drag, terrain adaptability, and improved motion velocity across the non-Newtonian liquids. Notably, the robot stiffness can be reversibly controlled with magnetically induced hardening, enabling on-site scratching and destruction of antibiotic-ineradicable polymeric matrix in biofilms with a low-frequency magnetic field. Furthermore, the magnetocaloric effect can be utilized to eradicate the bacteria by magnetocaloric effect under high-frequency alternating field. To verify the potential applications inside the body, the clinical imaging-guided actuation platforms were developed for vision-based control and delivery of the robots. The developed low-friction robots and clinical imaging-guided actuation platforms show their high potential to perform bacterial infection therapy in various lumens inside the body.

A magnetically responsive photonic crystal of graphene oxide nanosheets.

Magnetically responsive photonic crystals of colloidal nanosheets hold great promise for various applications. Here, we systematically investigated the magnetically responsive behavior of a photonic crystal consisting of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets and water. After applying a 12 T magnetic field perpendicular and parallel to the observation direction, the photonic crystal exhibited a more vivid structural color and no structural color, respectively, based on the magnetic orientation of GO nanosheets. The reflection wavelength can be modulated by varying the GO concentration, and the peak intensity can be basically enhanced by increasing both the time and strength of the magnetic application. To improve color quality, we developed a novel approach of alternately applying a magnetic field to two orthogonal directions, instead of using a rotating magnetic field. Finally, we achieved color switching by changing the direction of applied magnetic fields.

Steerable acoustically powered starfish-inspired microrobot.

Soft polymeric microrobots that can be loaded with nanocargoes and driven via external field stimuli can provide innovative solutions in various fields, including precise microscale assembly, targeted therapeutics, microsurgery, and the capture and degradation of unwanted wastewater fragments. However, in aquatic environments, it remains challenging to operate with microrobotic devices due to the predominant viscous resistances and the robots' limited actuation and sensing capabilities attributed to their miniaturization. The miniature size prevents the incorporation of onboard batteries that can provide sufficient power for propulsion and navigation, necessitating a wireless power supply. Current research examines untethered microrobot manipulation using external magnetic, electric, thermodynamic, or acoustic field-guided technologies: all strategies capable of wireless energy transmission towards sensitive and hard-to-reach locations. Nonetheless, developing a manipulation strategy that harnesses simple-to-induce strong propulsive forces in a stable manner over extended periods of time remains a significant endeavor. This study presents the fabrication and manipulation of a microrobot consisting of a magnetized soft polymeric composite material that enables a combination of stable acoustic propulsion through starfish-inspired artificial cilia and magnetic field-guided navigation. The acousto-magnetic manipulation strategy leverages the unique benefits of each applied field in the viscous-dominated microscale, namely precise magnetic orientation and strong acoustic thrust.

Hydrothermal characteristics of ferrofluid in a wavy chamber with magnetic field-dependent viscosity: Effects of moving walls

The present investigation aims to scrutinize the role of different moving walls on the hydrothermal characteristics and thermal performance of a Fe3O4-H2O ferrofluid within a wavy chamber under mixed convection. Notably, the study also takes into consideration the effects of a magnetic field and internal heat generation or absorption phenomena. To achieve this, a numerical simulation employing a compact finite difference method is conducted, focusing on key factors such as the Richardson number (0.1≤Ri≤100), Hartmann number (0≤Ha≤30), magnetic orientation (00≤γ≤900), Grashof number (Gr=104), solid concentrations (0≤ϕnp≤0.04), magnetic number (0≤δ0≤1), Prandtl number (Pr=6.8377), and internal heat generation parameter (−2≤Q≤2). All of this is undertaken while carefully managing the ferromagnetic particle volume fraction. The primary aim is to assess how different types of moving walls affect the transport behavior of the ferrofluid and to determine the impacts of the magnetic field on the hydrothermal characteristics of the ferrofluid. The outcomes of this investigation reveal that the presence of moving walls leads to a non-uniform temperature distribution within the ferrofluid, significantly affecting the overall transport behavior. The addition of ferrofluid particles to the base fluid results in noteworthy enhancements in the average Nusselt numbers, signifying improved convective heat transfer efficiency. Specifically, Case-I experienced an increase of up to 3.21%, Case-II showed an improvement of 0.93%, Case-III exhibited a rise of 1.70%, and Case-IV demonstrated the highest enhancement of 20.71%. Furthermore, the inclusion of magnetic field-dependent viscosity and the internal heat generation coefficient significantly influences the behavior of the ferrofluid. The findings from this study hold paramount importance for the design and optimization of heat transfer systems that employ ferrofluids and have the potential to contribute to the development of novel technologies with a wide range of industrial applications.

Wide-field imaging of the magnetization process in soft magnetic-thin film using diamond quantum sensors

The magnetization process of a soft magnetic CoFeB-SiO2 thin film was imaged using diamond quantum sensors with perfectly aligned nitrogen-vacancy centers along the [111] direction formed by CVD. Around the film edge, the easy and hard axes directions exhibited different responses to the external magnetic field, consistent with ones observed by magneto-optical Kerr effect microscopy. Moreover, quantum diamond imaging could observe discontinuous magnetization along domain walls as non-uniform magnetic charges (MCs). Quantum diamond imaging would help in visualization through MCs, such as irregularity in the material and relative orientation of magnetizations in neighboring domains.

AI-Assisted Fatigue and Stamina Control for Performance Sports on IMU-Generated Multivariate Times Series Datasets.

Optimal sports performance requires a balance between intensive training and adequate rest. IMUs provide objective, quantifiable data to analyze performance dynamics, despite the challenges in quantifying athlete training loads. The ability of AI to analyze complex datasets brings innovation to the monitoring and optimization of athlete training cycles. Traditional techniques rely on subjective assessments to prevent overtraining, which can lead to injury and underperformance. IMUs provide objective, quantitative data on athletes' physical status during action. AI and machine learning can turn these data into useful insights, enabling data-driven athlete performance management. With IMU-generated multivariate time series data, this paper uses AI to construct a robust model for predicting fatigue and stamina. IMUs linked to 19 athletes recorded triaxial acceleration, angular velocity, and magnetic orientation throughout repeated sessions. Standardized training included steady-pace runs and fatigue-inducing techniques. The raw time series data were used to train a supervised ML model based on frequency and time-domain characteristics. The performances of Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Machines, and LSTM networks were compared. A feedback loop adjusted the model in real time based on prediction error and bias estimation. The AI model demonstrated high predictive accuracy for fatigue, showing significant correlations between predicted fatigue levels and observed declines in performance. Stamina predictions enabled individualized training adjustments that were in sync with athletes' physiological thresholds. Bias correction mechanisms proved effective in minimizing systematic prediction errors. Moreover, real-time adaptations of the model led to enhanced training periodization strategies, reducing the risk of overtraining and improving overall athletic performance. In sports performance analytics, the AI-assisted model using IMU multivariate time series data is effective. Training can be tailored and constantly altered because the model accurately predicts fatigue and stamina. AI models can effectively forecast the beginning of weariness before any physical symptoms appear. This allows for timely interventions to prevent overtraining and potential accidents. The model shows an exceptional ability to customize training programs according to the physiological reactions of each athlete and enhance the overall training effectiveness. In addition, the study demonstrated the model's efficacy in real-time monitoring performance, improving the decision-making abilities of both coaches and athletes. The approach enables ongoing and thorough data analysis, supporting strategic planning for training and competition, resulting in optimized performance outcomes. These findings highlight the revolutionary capability of AI in sports science, offering a future where data-driven methods greatly enhance athlete training and performance management.

Magnetically assisted construction of Al2O3 platelets dual network and its excellent thermal conductivity in epoxy resin composites

Constructing three-dimensional thermally conductive networks in polymer matrix is a key strategy to improve the thermal management performance of electronic packaging materials. However, optimizing the thermal conductivity of the composite while retaining its electrical insulation properties still requires further structural design. Herein, the heat-transferring Al2O3 platelets dual network was constructed by using a simple compression moulding method combined with a magnetic alignment strategy. Al2O3@Fe3O4 was used for the magnetic orientation arrangement in the vertical direction of the laminated Al2O3 framework. And the obtained Al2O3/Al2O3@Fe3O4/Epoxy composites possessed satisfactory thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the composites containing 34.63 vol% filler was as high as 2.30 W/mK (K‖) and 1.83 W/mK (K⊥), which were significantly higher by 945 % and 732 % compared to epoxy resin. In addition, the introduction of Al2O3@Fe3O4 in the composite promoted isotropic thermal conductivity and provided electromagnetic shielding properties.

Probing three-dimensional magnetic fields: II – an interpretable Convolutional Neural Network

ABSTRACT Observing 3D magnetic fields, including orientation and strength, within the interstellar medium is vital but notoriously difficult. However, recent advances in our understanding of anisotropic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence demonstrate that MHD turbulence and 3D magnetic fields leave their imprints on the intensity features of spectroscopic observations. Leveraging these theoretical frameworks, we propose a novel Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model to extract this embedded information, enabling the probe of 3D magnetic fields. This model examines the plane-of-the-sky magnetic field orientation (ϕ), the magnetic field’s inclination angle (γ) relative to the line-of-sight, and the total magnetization level (M$_{\rm A}^{-1}$) of the cloud. We train the model using synthetic emission lines of 13CO (J = 1–0) and C18O (J = 1–0), generated from 3D MHD simulations that span conditions from sub-Alfvénic to super-Alfvénic molecular clouds. Our tests confirm that the CNN model effectively reconstructs the 3D magnetic field topology and magnetization. The median uncertainties are under 5° for both ϕ and γ, and less than 0.2 for MA in sub-Alfvénic conditions (MA ≈ 0.5). In super-Alfvénic scenarios (MA ≈ 2.0), they are under 15° for ϕ and γ, and 1.5 for MA. We applied this trained CNN model to the L1478 molecular cloud. Results show a strong agreement between the CNN-predicted magnetic field orientation and that derived from Planck 353 GHz polarization. The CNN approach enabled us to construct the 3D magnetic field map for L1478, revealing a global inclination angle of ≈76° and a global MA of ≈1.07.

Neutron Nanomediators for Non-Invasive Temperature Mapping of Fuel Cells

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) have gained significant attention in the past century for their ability to convert hydrogen chemical energy into electrical energy. However, the technology still requires refinement due to losses in polarization, ohmic resistance, and mass transport that result in heat generation, negatively affecting the device water management and durability. To better understand these processes, researchers initiate studies to improve knowledge of the temperature at the cell structure core. However, current methods using micro-thermocouples [1] are highly invasive, impeding cell operation and limiting data accuracy.The project aims to overcome the latter problem using ferromagnetic nanoparticles for non-invasive temperature mapping on these devices. A key part of this novel method is the application of Neutron Imaging through a polarized beam [2], which allows to detection of the temperature distribution on the surrounding nanosensors. The dispersed ferromagnetic nanomediators, in these conditions, depolarize the incoming neutron beam due to the random magnetic field produced by the nanoparticles themselves. Furthermore, as the temperature rises toward the Curie temperature (Tc), the nanosensors tend to lose their magnetic preferential orientation, influencing the neutron beam polarization gradually less as the ambient temperature increases.This project includes identifying a suitable material, synthesizing nanoparticles through solution techniques [3], and performing physical and magnetic ex-situ characterizations. By dispersing them in Polytetrafluoroethylene micro-powders, nickel, iron, and Nd2Fe14B alloys were initially studied at different concentrations, grain sizes, and magnetic environments, showing promising signal detection (η) and absolute thermal variation (Δη) results.

Synergetic effect of magnetic field location, strength and orientation on heat transfer characteristics of brine-based hybrid nanofluid in rectangular confinement

The hybrid nanofluid emergence is presently receiving untold research attention as an improved cooling medium. This paper presents an investigation into the free convection thermal transport performance of brine (ethylene glycol-deionized water (60:40 vol%)-based hybrid ferrofluid (Fe2O3-Al2O3) (BBHF) in a rectangular cavity under steady-state conditions with and without magnetic inducement. The synergetic effect of different magnetic field orientations and intensities imposed on the various walls of the confinement and their influence on the heat transfer characteristics of BBHF was examined. At volume concentrations of 0.05–0.40 %, the BBHF was formulated and characterised for its viscosity, stability, morphology, and thermal conductivity. Without a magnetic stimulus, the average Nusselt number, heat transfer rate, and coefficient of heat transfer of 0.05–0.2 vol% BBHF samples were improved relative to the brine. At a cavity temperature gradient of 35 °C using 0.05 vol% BBHF, a peak thermal transport enhancement of 10.09 % was observed when compared with the brine. With 0.05 vol% BBHF, the vertical positioning of the magnetic stimulus on the cavity side wall was noticed to yield maximum improvement of heat transfer (4.3 %). An increment in the strength of the magnetic stimulus from 4.89 mT to 13.00 mT enhanced thermal transport by >15 %, which subsequently deteriorated when increased to 21.95 mT for all the studied magnetic stimulus arrangements. In addition, correlations were proposed to predict the Nusselt number, thermal conductivity, and viscosity of the BBHFs. The employment of hybrid nanoparticles, magnetic stimulus, and different arrangements of the magnetic stimulus was observed to amplify the heat transfer of BBHFs in the cavity which is of practical and engineering benefit.

Physics-aware differentiable design of magnetically actuated kirigami for shape morphing

Shape morphing that transforms morphologies in response to stimuli is crucial for future multifunctional systems. While kirigami holds great promise in enhancing shape-morphing, existing designs primarily focus on kinematics and overlook the underlying physics. This study introduces a differentiable inverse design framework that considers the physical interplay between geometry, materials, and stimuli of active kirigami, made by soft material embedded with magnetic particles, to realize target shape-morphing upon magnetic excitation. We achieve this by combining differentiable kinematics and energy models into a constrained optimization, simultaneously designing the cuts and magnetization orientations to ensure kinematic and physical feasibility. Complex kirigami designs are obtained automatically with unparalleled efficiency, which can be remotely controlled to morph into intricate target shapes and even multiple states. The proposed framework can be extended to accommodate various active systems, bridging geometry and physics to push the frontiers in shape-morphing applications, like flexible electronics and minimally invasive surgery.

Macroscopic emulation of microscopic magnetic particle systems

In this work we show that macroscopic experiments can be used to investigate microscopic systems. Such macroscopic experiments enable testing the assumptions and results obtained by theoretical considerations or simulations that cannot be obtained under microscope (e.g., the orientation of a spherical particle).To emulate the dynamics of a single hematite cube immersed in water and subjected to a rotating magnetic field, a cubic magnet is firmly positioned in a 3D printed superball shell. The dimensionless parameters of the microscopic and macroscopic systems can be equalized by using a glycerol-water mixture instead of water as well as by the material and infill of the 3D printed shell. The pose of the superball is tracked using ArUco stickers which act as fiducial markers.It was found that there is a qualitative agreement between the macroscopic experiments and theoretical predictions. However, the reduced thermal effects in the macroscopic experiments lead to an increase in friction between the superball and the surface, thus shifting the critical frequency of the system.Since the shell is 3D printed, the given method can be extended to any shape and magnetization orientation.

Pre-orientation sintering: an alternative process to prepare high-performance anisotropic Nd–Fe–B HDDR magnets

Hydrogen–disproportionation–desorption–recombination (HDDR) Nd–Fe–B magnetic powders are promising to prepare bulk anisotropic magnets, but high magnetic performance has not been achieved due to the absence of an Nd-rich phase in the powder and the low degree of orientation of the bulk magnets. In this study, an alternative process of pre-orientation sintering via magnetic alignment followed by spark plasma sintering was proposed to prepare the precursor of hot-deformation (HD) magnets, and a high maximum energy product of 294 kJ m−3 was achieved in the HD magnet with a relatively low height reduction of 35%, then an improved coercivity of 1107 kA m−1 could be obtained followed by a grain boundary diffusion of Pr40Tb30Al20Cu10. Microstructure analysis indicates that pre-orientation of HDDR powders facilitates grain rotation and alignment during the HD process, thereby reducing the minimum deformation ratio. It helps to obtain the deformed grains with lower shape anisotropy and smaller grain size, enabling a good compatibility of magnetic and mechanical behaviors. In-situ Lorentzian transmission electron microscopy results show that the magnetic domains have been strongly fixed by the thick intergranular RE-rich phase and the fully Tb-diffused grains, which contributes to the improved coercivity after grain boundary diffusion. This study provides a guiding significance for the preparation of the anisotropic Nd–Fe–B HDDR magnets with optimized performance.

Effects of enclosure shape on MHD nanofluid flow and irreversibility in different shaped systems under fluid volume constraint

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of enclosure shape on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluidic flow, heat transfer and irreversibility in square, trapezoidal and triangular thermal systems under fluid volume constraints, with the aim of optimizing thermal behavior in diverse applications.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses numerical simulations based on a finite element-based technique to analyze the effects of the Rayleigh number (Ra), Hartmann number (Ha), magnetic field orientation (γ) and nanoparticle concentration (ζ) on heat transfer characteristics and thermodynamic entropy production.FindingsThe key findings reveal that the geometrical design significantly influences fluid velocity, heat transfer and irreversibility. Trapezoidal thermal systems outperform square systems, while triangular systems achieve optimal enhancement. Nanoparticle concentration enhances heat transfer and flow strength at higher Rayleigh numbers. The magnetic field intensity has a significant impact on fluid flow and heat transport in natural convection, with higher Hartmann numbers resulting in reduced flow strength and heat transfer. The study also highlights the influence of various parameters on thermodynamic entropy production.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research can explore additional geometries, parameters and boundary conditions to expand the understanding of enclosure shape effects on MHD nanofluidic flow and heat transfer. Experimental validation can complement the numerical simulations presented in this study.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable insights into the impact of enclosure shape on heat transfer performance in MHD nanofluid flow systems. The findings contribute to the optimization of thermal behavior in applications such as electronics cooling and energy systems. The comparison of different enclosure shapes and the analysis of thermodynamic entropy production add novelty to the study.