Materials Science Forum, Vol.482, 395-398, 2005
Application of giant magnetostrictive material into construction of broad spectrum vibration generator
The paper presents an application of giant magnetostriction phenomenon into particular vibration generator. It was assumed that the generator should enable tests of construction under local loads applied with broad spectrum of frequencies. Mass of a device must be minimal, it should exert large forces with large amplitudes and high efficiency. The applied material is Terfenol-D - an alloy of rare earth elements and iron which exhibits giant magnetostriction. It is a compound of Laves phases with cubic MgCu2 structure. Examinations of magnetomechanical properties of Terfenol preceded construction. The efficiency of transformation of magnetic energy into the mechanical one was tested. The key role in efficiency is played by initial compressing prestresses involved and stimulation by constant magnetic field. The output quantities of constructed device as force, displacement and frequency are completely controlled. The control system includes modem power DC amplifier. It was shown some experimental results of examination of the magneto strictive actuator. Examples of generations of mechanical vibrations in various constructions enter the new area of applications of Smart Magnetic Materials.