Simulation of an improved microactuator with discrete MSM elements

Abstract

Magnetic Shape Memory (MSM) alloys are a new class of "smart" materials. In the martensite state, they exhibit a reversible strain due to a reorientation of twin variants, based on twin boundary motion driven by an external magnetic field occurring in the martensite state. This effect allows for the development of linear microactuators. This work presents the simulation results for the fabrication of a microactuator based on an MSM alloy with an optimized design. A stator element consists of a NiFe45/55 flux guide, two poles, and double-layer Cu coils wound around each pole for generating the magnetic field. The MSM material applied is NiMnGa. The integrated microactuator is subjected to dynamic simulation, using a "checkerboard" pattern to locally switch the magnetic properties when the relative permeability μr is changed. The model is described with the Ansys Parametric Design Language (APDL). Design, modeling, and simulation of the magnetic system including MSM material, are conducted by Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis using the software tool ANSYS™. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications.