Application of MSM bulk material in a hybrid microactuator

Abstract

Smart materials such as magnetic shape memory (MSM) metals allow to coming up with new actuators with a rather simple design. NiMnGa MSM material was applied for creating a hybrid microactuator. Two MSM stripes are mounted in a row. Thin-film stators provide a magnetizing field causing a magnetic field induced strain (MFIS) in NiMnGa MSM stripes. However, the magnetic field is only used for elongating the stripes. The stripe subjected to strain is returning the other MSM stripe mechanically into its non-strained state and vice versa. Compressing them to their non-strained state is provided by mechanical means. © 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.