Theoretical model for geometry-dependent magnetoelectric effect in magnetostrictive/piezoelectric composites

A quasistatic theoretical model including geometry effect is presented for predicting the magnetoelectric (ME) coefficients in a ME multilayer composite consisting of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric layers. The model is developed based on average-field method considering the geometry effect. The model characterizes the ME coefficient in terms of not only the parameters of two composite components and the thickness fraction but also the length and width fractions for the piezoelectric or magnetostrictive components. Analytical predictions indicate that the width and length fractions strongly influence the maximum ME coefficient and the corresponding thickness fraction also. Clearly, geometry effects cannot be ignored in predicting ME coefficient. Theoretical ME coefficients are also compared to experimental test data, demonstrating excellent agreement. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4729832]