Finite Element and Experimental Analysis of an Axisymmetric Electromechanical Converter with a Magnetostrictive Rod

The paper presents the numerical and experimental investigations of the axisymmetric magnetostrictive actuator with a Terfenol-D rod. The applied model consists of equations that describe the magnetic and mechanical displacement fields. The equations of both fields are coupled through a nonlinear magneto-mechanical constitutive law. The model is considered as 2D axisymmetric. The finite element method is used to solve the field equations. Special attention is paid to the proper definition of magneto-mechanical relations. These relations are formed from measurements. A unique test stand is designed for the experimental investigation. The selected results of the simulation are compared with the measurement results. The comparison shows that the applied numerical model is sufficiently accurate.