Computer models of 3D magnetic microfibres used in textile actuators

Abstract

PurposeThe 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/approachThe 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.FindingsThe 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/valueFirst, 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.).

Computer homogeneous models and magnetization curve of magnetic micro‐fibers

“…It is due to complicated structure of the magnetic microfibre. Consequently, the above causes very long computing time needed to generate the mesh and magnetic field distribution calculations (Wiak et al, 2010). Designing complex field models of 3D microfibers bundles demands thorough thinking about many aspects of such complicated structure.…”

Magnetic cotton yarns – optimization of magnetic properties

“…barium ferrite, which allows the addition of a thin magnetic layer on the yarn surface. Magnetic yarns obtained in this way can be used for designing textile magnetic elements as well as electronic circuits and devices as parts of intelligent clothing, for example, those which can be used to monitor selected human physiological parameters (Teichmann, Kuhn, Leonhardt, & Walter, 2014;Wiak, Firych-Nowacka, & Smółka, 2010). In addition, these magnetic yarns can be inserted in woven or knitted fabrics for designing protective garments for EMI shielding.…”

Micromagnetic Simulation of Fibers and Coatings on Textiles

“…Simulations of the magnetic properties of such fibers, yarns or fabrics are scarce. Only a few articles report about modeling of magnetic microfibers [21] or of the magnetic core of a textile coil [22]. This article thus aims at giving an overview of the possibilities and borders of modeling magnetic fibers as well as magnetic coatings on fibers and textile fabrics.…”