Papers by Author: Jorge Feuchtwanger

Abstract: Ferromagnetic shape memory alloy-based actuators offer distintive features that make them advantageous competitors to traditional electromechanical devices. The production of force and motion without contact is one of the most important features. However, the largely non-linear and hysteretic nature of the response of such materials makes them of little use apart from on-off or continuous actuation. In this work we present the results obtained in a laboratory prototype of linear position FSMA actuator, where the active element is a 12 mm long Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal. The crystal expands a maximum of 12 micrometers and in control experiments, is commanded to expand and contract alternatively to reach positions at 5 µm and 8 µm. It shows that the commanded position could be controlled within 20 nm.

Abstract: A Mn-enriched Ni46.4Mn32.8Sn20.8 Heusler alloy has been prepared by the induction melting and casting method. The samples used were annealed at 900°C during 72 h with a subsequent water quench. The magnetostructural transformation (MST) in the vicinity of Tm=230K and Ta=250K has been found, and characterized by DSC, magnetization and resistivity measurements. Changes in the crystal structure due to the MST were observed using neutron diffraction at different temperatures. The crystal structure of martensitic phase shows a good fits to the 4-layered orthorhombic martensite with a Pmma space group. The linear shift of transformation temperatures was found in the entire high magnetic field range up 14T to be dTm/dB0 = -1.50 K/T and dTa/dB0 = -1.26 K/T, whereas in the low field range we found an increase of both characteristic temperatures. The entropy changes at the MST were evaluated using the Clausius-Clapeyron relationship. The transformation-induced magnetoresistance has been measured.

Abstract: The single crystal Ni-Mn-Ga and Ni-Mn-Ga particulate composites have responded to mechanical stress up to 1 kHz frequencies with significant acoustic attenuation. It has been observed that in Ni-Mn-Ga polymer composites, a heavy static load on both the ends of the system increases the acoustic stress amplitude and appears to have acoustic loss drops. The attenuation, as a function of frequency shows resonances in the displacement of the vibrating particle indicating the twin boundary motions. It is inferred that the resonances beyond the principal mode are highly damped in the Ni-Mn-Ga composite samples.

Abstract: Composites of Ni–Mn–Ga particles in a polyurethane matrix can be made by mixing the particles with the polymer, and allowing them to cure under a magnetic field to texture the composites. These composites show large hysteresis and mechanical losses, when subjected to a cyclic stress, that were far larger than the matrix polymer ones. The additional losses are attributed to the motion of twin boundaries in the filler particles and provide a way for obtaining mechanical energy absorption in a wide frequency range. By means of X-ray and neutron diffraction we present evidence that confirms that twins are present in the particles and that they do move when mechanically loading the composite