Document Type
Student Presentation
Presentation Date
4-15-2013
Faculty Sponsor
Paul Lindquist, Peter Müllner
Abstract
In order to further understand the fatigue and electrical properties of multifunctional magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMA), such as nickel-manganese-gallium (Ni-Mn-Ga), it is often necessary to modify existing machinery or design unique devices. The existing linear test apparatus has accomplished the goal of straining specimens by applying linear compression in a static magnetic field. The data acquired by this apparatus has been useful, but is limited by the device’s lack of magnetic field strength variability and closed loop control, as well as its data acquisition speed. The proposed study seeks to design and test a linear test apparatus that performs the same functions as the existing test equipment with the addition of a variable magnetic field, closed loop control and data acquisition rate of up to 1 µHz. The creation of a device with these additional capabilities will result in a broader range of actuation frequency, control of actuation strain, and the production of higher quality data. Advancements in the understanding of the fatigue behavior of MSMAs will foster the reliability of magnetic shape memory alloys. These improvements and the exploration of the energy harvesting capacity will promote the development of technological applications utilizing magnetic shape memory alloys.