Nonlinear magnetoelectric model for laminate piezoelectric-magnetostrictive cantilever structures

In this work, we develop a nonlinear magnetoelectric model for self-sensing actuation behavior of a cantilever structure composed of laminate piezoelectric and magnetostrictive layers. The model developed accounts for the nonlinear response of the magnetostrictive layer, the linear response of the piezoelectric layer and the structural coupling between the magnetostrictive, PZT and bonding layers. Furthermore, the detailed stress distribution in the PZT and Galfenol layers was studied to explain the contribution of each layer/element along the thickness to the actuation and sensing behavior. More importantly, the effect of the asymmetry in the behavior of the magnetostrictive layer under tensile and compressive states combined with the bending-extension coupling of this structure is accounted for in this model. Using this framework, the structural response as well as the electrical response to a magnetic field is studied systematically by looking at different thickness ratios of the magnetostrictive and piezoelectric layers.