University Poland
Smart Magnetic Materials SMM:
a) Magnetic field-responsive fluids and active microstructures (MagnetoRheological fluids MRF and Composites MRC, MagnetoRheological Elastomers MRE),
b) Giant Magnetostrictive materials GMM (composites and solids).
Our main attainments and opportunities concern: designing, preparing, testing and applying selected materials from the group of Smart Magnetic Materials, especially:
a) magnetorheological;
b) magnetostrictive.
Ad a) Magnetorheological materials; up to now results and current activities:
preparing ferromagnetic particles for magnetorheological fluids with a use technology sol-gels;
preparing magnetorheological foams and composites (polymer and porous matrix);
formulating and identifying constitutive models for such composites;
application of fluids and composites in mechanical constructions (mainly in vibrations damping systems).
Ad. b) Magnetostrictive materials (based on Terfenol-D and similar); up to now results and current activities:
identification of cross magneto-mechanical effects (magnetostriction and reverse magnetostriction) for optimal transfer of magnetic energy into mechanical and inversely;
preparing polymer composites containing magnetostrictive particles for application in active dampers;
preparing sensors, dampers and actuators based on magnetostrictive materials and their example applications in mechanical constructions.
Technical challenges include:
fabricating magnetically active nanoparticles and structures;
generating and applying magnetic field at low expenditure of energy and safety for human body;
technology of ordering and orienting ferromagnetic particles in composites materials;
developing materials acceptable by human body (magnetorheological fluids for magnetic drug targeting);
formulating new constitutive models representing magneto-mechanical interactions;
shortening time of reaction to input signal (material response);
simulating behavior of internal structures;
measuring and modeling damping/energy absorption;
Applications:
active damping suspensions (commercial products for mechanical vibrating devices);
active force transmission clutches, brakes (commercial products);
energy absorbing foams, smart shields for ballistic protection - bulletproof jacket;
magnetic drug targeting systems;
improving the efficiency of electric motors and speakers using ferrofluids.
Industries:
automotive,
aviation,
military,
medicine.
