Principle Design of Actuators Driven by Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys

Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMA) are a promising material for actuation purposes as they provide relatively large strains and relatively high operation frequencies. In this paper three concepts of such actuators are introduced. The first part will describe a so called spring actuator, where the MSM element is working against a restore pre-stress spring. The second concept uses two MSM elements working antagonistically to substitute the pre-stress spring. A small sized actuator for valve or switching applications is shown in the third concept. Advantages and disadvantages are highlighted and show the potential of the comparatively new active material.