Modeling of embedded magnetostrictive particulate actuators

This paper deals with the modeling of the macroscopic behavior of magnetostrictive particulate actuators (MPA). MPA is made of magnetostrictive particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. A load line equation is developed that relates the free strain with the mechanical stress experienced by the magnetostrictive particles. The load line equation combined with the material property gives the macroscopic behavior model of MPA. Numerical results to show the effect of volume fraction of particles and Young's modulus of matrix on the overall actuating performance are presented.