Magnetic field dependence of galfenol elastic properties

Elastic shear moduli measurements on Fe100−xGax (x=12–33) single crystals (via resonant ultrasound spectroscopy) with and without a magnetic field and within 4–300 K are reported. The pronounced softening of the tetragonal shear modulus c′ is concluded to be, based on magnetoelastic coupling, the cause of the second peak in the tetragonal magnetostriction constant λ100 near x=28. Exceedingly high ΔE effects (∼25%), combined with the extreme softness in c′ (c′<10GPa), suggest structural changes take place, yet, gradual in nature, as the moduli show a smooth dependence on Ga concentration, temperature, and magnetic field. Shear anisotropy (c44∕c′) as high as 14.7 was observed for Fe71.2Ga28.8.