Macroscopic behavior prediction of multiferroic composites

Abstract Nonlinear micromechanical analysis of magnetostrictive composites which was previously developed is presently generalized for the prediction of the behavior of multiferroic composites. These composites consist of nonlinear magnetostrictive and piezoelectric phases. By the application of a magnetic field on the composite, the coupling with the mechanical deformations induces an electric polarization. The resulting of both of magnetostriction (mechanical deformation) and electric effects can be utilized for sensing and actuation. The micromechanical analysis accounts for the detailed interaction between the fully coupled magneto-electro-elastic field in every one of the composite constituents, and establishes the macroscopic (global) instantaneous response of the multiferroic composite at the current loading increment. Applications are given which exhibit the response of the magnetostrictive and piezoelectric flexible Terfenol-D/PVDF and stiff Terfenol-D/PZT particulate composites. Comparisons between the behaviors of particulate, continuous fibers and bilayered composites are shown. In addition, the figure of merit which assesses the magnetoelectric performance is predicted for all types of composites.