How does a magnetostrictive system in aircraft convert mechanical vibrations into electricity?
1 Answer
A magnetostrictive system in aircraft converts mechanical vibrations into electricity through the use of a phenomenon known as magnetostriction. Magnetostriction is the property of certain materials to change their shape or dimensions when exposed to a magnetic field, and conversely, to generate a magnetic field when subjected to mechanical stress or deformation.
Here's how a basic magnetostrictive energy harvesting system works:
Magnetostrictive Material: The system incorporates a magnetostrictive material, which is a material that exhibits the magnetostrictive effect. These materials include certain alloys and composites, such as Terfenol-D (terbium, dysprosium, and iron alloy). When subjected to mechanical vibrations, these materials experience small deformations.
Mechanical Vibrations: In an aircraft, there are various sources of mechanical vibrations, such as engine vibrations, air turbulence, and structural vibrations. These vibrations cause the magnetostrictive material to undergo periodic deformations.
Coil and Magnetic Field: The magnetostrictive material is often arranged in the form of a coil or rod. When the material undergoes deformation due to vibrations, it changes its dimensions slightly. This change in dimensions leads to a change in its magnetic properties, causing the material to emit or alter a magnetic field.
Induction and Electricity Generation: The changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in nearby coils or conductive elements through electromagnetic induction. This EMF results in an electric current flowing through the coils, creating an electrical output. This generated electricity can be used to power various systems on the aircraft, such as sensors, communication equipment, or stored in batteries for later use.
Rectification and Regulation: The induced AC (alternating current) generated by the magnetostrictive system is typically rectified into DC (direct current) using diodes. The rectified DC can be further regulated to achieve a stable voltage level suitable for the specific applications.
It's important to note that while magnetostrictive energy harvesting systems can convert mechanical vibrations into electricity, their efficiency is influenced by factors such as the material's magnetostrictive properties, the amplitude and frequency of vibrations, and the design of the energy harvesting setup. These systems are often used as supplementary power sources, especially in environments with abundant mechanical vibrations, like aircraft engines or other moving components.
Here's how a basic magnetostrictive energy harvesting system works:
Magnetostrictive Material: The system incorporates a magnetostrictive material, which is a material that exhibits the magnetostrictive effect. These materials include certain alloys and composites, such as Terfenol-D (terbium, dysprosium, and iron alloy). When subjected to mechanical vibrations, these materials experience small deformations.
Mechanical Vibrations: In an aircraft, there are various sources of mechanical vibrations, such as engine vibrations, air turbulence, and structural vibrations. These vibrations cause the magnetostrictive material to undergo periodic deformations.
Coil and Magnetic Field: The magnetostrictive material is often arranged in the form of a coil or rod. When the material undergoes deformation due to vibrations, it changes its dimensions slightly. This change in dimensions leads to a change in its magnetic properties, causing the material to emit or alter a magnetic field.
Induction and Electricity Generation: The changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in nearby coils or conductive elements through electromagnetic induction. This EMF results in an electric current flowing through the coils, creating an electrical output. This generated electricity can be used to power various systems on the aircraft, such as sensors, communication equipment, or stored in batteries for later use.
Rectification and Regulation: The induced AC (alternating current) generated by the magnetostrictive system is typically rectified into DC (direct current) using diodes. The rectified DC can be further regulated to achieve a stable voltage level suitable for the specific applications.
It's important to note that while magnetostrictive energy harvesting systems can convert mechanical vibrations into electricity, their efficiency is influenced by factors such as the material's magnetostrictive properties, the amplitude and frequency of vibrations, and the design of the energy harvesting setup. These systems are often used as supplementary power sources, especially in environments with abundant mechanical vibrations, like aircraft engines or other moving components.