Computer models of 3D magnetic microfibres used in textile actuators

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the idea of designing and manufacturing intelligent clothes with magnetic fibres. The main goal of the research is to create the universal generator of computer structural models for whole bundles of magnetic microfibres.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the algorithm of magnetic microfibers computer modelling. It covers both finite element method (FEM) and reluctance network method. This paper deals with creating 3D computer structural models of magnetic microfibres, which could be introduced as the textile magnetic sensors or actuators. Because of very complicated 3D microfibres structure, it is hoped that the quickest possible method can be found to solve the problem.

Findings

The results focus on the methodology presented in the paper which can be implemented in building 3D equivalent B/H curve of the microfibers set by using the field method – combining reluctance network method and FEM. Defining the proper magnetic B/H curves of magnetic fibres will enable the production of smart and resistant clothes.

Originality/value

First, the paper presents the original idea of modelling magnetic microfibres by use of the reluctance network method. So far, there are only measurements characteristics of B/H curve of magnetic microfibres. The paper proposes an innovatory way of determining magnetic microfibres parameters. This universal computer models allows for evaluation of a limiting value of magnetization (magnetic permeability, etc.).

Citation

Wiak, S., Firych‐Nowacka, A. and Smółka, K. (2010), "Computer models of 3D magnetic microfibres used in textile actuators", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 29 No. 5, pp. 1159-1171. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321641011061380