Modeling light-controlled actuation of flexible magnetic composite structures using the finite element method (FEM)

TL;DR

This paper develops a finite element model to simulate light-controlled magnetic actuation in a flexible composite structure, accurately reproducing experimental deflections and enabling future analysis of fracture and fatigue.

Contribution

The paper introduces a FEM-based simulation of light-controlled magnetic actuation in a CrO2-PDMS composite, matching experimental results and supporting future structural analysis.

Findings

Maximum deflection of 6.08 mm under specified conditions

Simulation closely matches experimental motion data

Model enables future fracture and fatigue studies

Abstract

Photoactive materials hold great promise for a variety of applications. We present a finite element model of light-controlled flexible magnetic composite structure composed of 33.3% Chromium dioxide (CrO2) and 66.7% Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by weight. The structure has a dimension of 8 mm x 2 mm x 100 um and has been previously experimentally studied. Due to the low Curie temperature, the structure acts as an actuator, shows significant deflection under the external magnetic field and relaxation due to laser heating. Thermal and magnetic deflection analysis has been performed using the FEM model. The simulation results show a maximum structural deflection of 6.08 mm (76% of the length of the structure) when subjected to 30 mT magnetic flux density and 160 mW laser power at 303 K (room temperature). We will present the results of the simulation model and comparison to experimental data reproducing the previously observed motion of the (CrO2+PDMS). This model will enable future fracture and fatigue analysis as well as extension to new photoactive geometries.