Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona, U. S. A.
Numerical simulations of magnetic and magnetostrictive systems exhibit hysteresis. These systems have a highly nonlinear character involving short range anisotropy, elastic fields, and dispersive demagnetization. We present a model, based on a micromagnetic theory, that can be used to predict the behavior of these systems. The principal objective of this investigation is to study the magnetostrictive behavior of Terfenol-D, a material that undergoes the largest known magnetostrictive strain at room temperature. First, we discuss computational results of hysteresis in a rigid ferromagnet material. These simulations display a modified Stoner-Wholfart scenario. Next, we consider the inclusion of magnetoelastic effects, in the content of linear elasticity. Finally, techniques used to estimate the critical field and the width of the hysterisis loop will be presented.