Strong coupling magneto mechanical methods applied to model heavy magnetostrictive actuators

Finite element methods are used to model the magneto-mechanical characteristics of a magnetostrictive rod. Optimisation of the shapes and dimensions of the heavy magnetostrictive actuator is carried out. As magnetostrictive material characteristics are nonlinear, the modelling methods use an iterative process. A new modelling method has been developed so as to use the available experimental characteristic of a magnetostrictive rod:/spl lambda/(H).