Finite element modelling of giant magnetostriction in thin films

This paper describes a nonlinear model of giant magnetostriction in thin films by a finite element scheme for magnetostatic cases. Given a thin film structure, the magnetic field is first computed. Magnetic induction over elements is then used to compute the magnetoelastic energy. The minimization of the mechanical functional leads to the determination of displacement, strain, etc., due to the magnetostriction process. However, giant magnetostriction is characterized by a strong magneto-mechanical coupling. The model takes it into account by the use of the experimental data through the surface spline method and an iterative process of successive magnetic and mechanical computations.