Modeling on magnetoelectric effect of functional piezoelectric dielectric

In the context of wireless magnetoelectric devices based on functional dielectrics, this paper focuses on investigating the magnetoelectric response of a magnetic actuator by comparing simulation results and experimental results. Multiphysics modeling of the magnetic actuator – composed of a piezoelectric bender coated with silver electrodes, a lock-in amplifier and magnetic poles – is carried out using the finite-element method and multiphysics modules. Due to the direct coupling of the piezoelectric layer and the Lorentz force induced by eddy currents in the silver electrodes, a magnetoelectric voltage was generated on the suspended piezoelectric bender. The good agreement between the experimental data and the simulation results demonstrates the coupling between eddy-current-induced Lorentz forces in the silver electrodes and the piezoelectric layer. The proposed prototype is based on the magnetoelectric functional dielectric without the magnetic phase and also without applying a power source, so that it could be low cost, have linear feedback and be practical. These features make it a candidate prototype for a new type of magnetoelectric actuators and sensors.