Magnetostriction - definition

Magnetostriction is a physical phenomenon involving a change in the linear dimensions or volume of a ferromagnetic material under the influence of an external magnetic field. This effect is due to interactions between the magnetic moments of the domains within the material and its crystal structure, leading to mechanical deformation when the magnetic orientation is reorganised.

The mechanism of magnetostriction is related to the microscopic energetics of the magnetic domains - the areas in which the magnetic moments are ordered. Under the influence of an applied magnetic field, there is a change in the orientation of these moments, which causes an internal stress and results in a macroscopic change in the length of the sample. This change can be positive or negative, depending on the type of material and the direction of the magnetic field.

This phenomenon is particularly strong in certain iron, nickel, cobalt alloys and in specially formulated materials such as Terfenol-D, which have a high efficiency of converting magnetic energy into mechanical energy. Magnetostriction is used in ultrasonic transducers, force and displacement sensors, precision actuators and high-frequency vibration generating devices.

The reverse effect, known as the Villari effect, involves a change in the magnetic properties of a material as a result of the application of mechanical stress, which is also used in sensing technology. In Automation and mechatronics systems, the magnetostriction phenomenon makes it possible to realise non-contact position measurement and build actuators that respond with high speed and precision.

In technical analysis, magnetostriction is also taken into account as an undesirable phenomenon, particularly in transformer cores, where cyclic deformations can lead to noise emissions, known as magnetostrictive noise. In the design of electromagnetic devices, the aim is to minimise these effects through the appropriate choice of materials and design geometry.

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