Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Microstructured Magnetic-Shape-Memory Devices

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Sergio Conti
• Subject Area: Materials Science
• Term: from 2006 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 28321193

The macroscopic behavior of magnetic shape memory (MSM) devices is determined by the interplayof phase transformations originating from the atomic scale with mesoscopic structuressuch as lattice defects, impurities, and grain boundaries in polycrystals. Furthermore, materialbehavior can be tuned by technical production of composite materials, layered thin filmdevices, and textures in polycrystals. We aim to understand these effects quantitatively andprovide criteria to guide material production. Therefore, we will model these microstructureson the mesoscale and study them analytically and numerically. A continuum model will beformulated on the basis of elasticity and micromagnetism, homogenization will be applied toeffectively resolve the microstructures, and variational discretization methods will be used forthe numerical simulation. In the first application period we intend to focus on the followingspecific cases:- blocking of the MSM effect in polycrystals, in dependence of the texture, and the impactof defects on the macroscopic behavior of crystals;- avoiding blocking by embedding many small MSM particles in a soft polymer matrix;- microstructures and layered configurations in thin MSM films.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1239: Modification of Microstructure and Shape of Solid Materials by External Magnetic Fields
• Participating Persons: Martin Lenz; Professor Dr. Martin Rumpf