Homogenization method for microscopic characterization of the composite magnetoelectric multiferroics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Multiferroics

Background:

• Tuning magnetization and electrical polarization with non-conjugate fields is crucial for novel applications.
• The magnetoelectric effect in multiferroic composites offers a pathway to achieve this cross-field control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically simulate and analyze the magnetoelectric effect in multiferroic 1-3 composites.
• To develop a computational model for understanding the interplay between magnetic, electric, and elastic fields.

Main Methods:

• A two-scale homogenization procedure based on variational analysis was formulated.
• The model quantifies local fields (electric, magnetic, elastic) and stresses/strains.
• The computational model was implemented using modified POSTMAT software.

Main Results:

• Local stress/strain profiles and von Mises stresses were computed, providing insights into magnetostriction and polarization.
• Average polarization and magnetization were calculated against applied fields, showing reasonable agreement with experimental data.
• The model successfully captures the behavior of multiferroic composites irrespective of crystallographic symmetry.

Conclusions:

• The developed homogenization model offers computational efficiency for analyzing multiferroic composites.
• It provides valuable insights into microscopic field characteristics and their impact on material properties.
• The findings support the potential of multiferroic composites for applications requiring tunable magnetic and electric responses.