Nonlinear numerical simulation of ferroelectric-ferromagnetic multifunctional composites

The theoretical background of nonlinear constitutive multifield behavior is presented. Nonlinear material models describing the ferroelectric or ferromagnetic behaviors are presented. Both physically and phenomenologically motivated constitutive models have been developed for the numerical calculation of the nonlinear magnetostrictive and ferroelectric behaviors. On this basis, the polarization in the ferroelectric and magnetization in the ferromagnetic respectively magnetostrictive phases are simulated and the resulting effects analyzed. The developed tools enable the prediction of the electromagnetomechanical properties of smart multiferroic composites and supply useful means for their optimization. Goals are to improve the efficiency of ME coupling and to reduce damage associated with the poling process. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)