Modeling and Experimental Analysis of Magnetostrictive Devices: From the Material Characterization to Their Dynamic Behavior

This paper deals with the development of a modeling approach for describing the magnetomechanical behavior of magnetostrictive actuators. The model couples the finite element solution, accounting for eddy currents in the magnetic materials, with a modified Preisach-type model, identified starting from the static characterization of the magnetoelastic material. The model is applied to the dynamic analysis of a Terfenol-D actuator under ac and biased supply conditions, comparing the results with experiments, and focusing the investigation on the dynamic characteristics of the device.