Dynamic analysis and realization of a miniature self-propelling mechanism using a magnetostrictive vibrator

A iron-gallium (Fe_81.6Ga_18.4, Galfenol) alloy is a kind of magnetostrictive material which works as a functional material. In this paper, we propose a novel miniature self-propelling mechanism using a magnetostrictive vibrator which made of the Galfenol alloy. The operation principle of the self-propelling mechanism is described in details. Analytic models of the system are also established and used to theoretically verify the proposal. Furthermore, we fabricate the proposed self-propelling mechanism and implement fundamental experiments to confirm its validity and performance.