Interesting Galfenol Facts: An Alloy Of Iron And Gallium
Gallery
Galfenol is a broad term in materials science for an iron-gallium alloy.
Iron-gallium alloys were first assigned this term by the United States Navy researchers in 1998. They found that adding gallium to iron could significantly raise its magnetization and magnetostriction (process of changing shame or dimensions when magnetized) by approximately tenfold.
It is a ferromagnetic material, meaning that it is attracted to magnets. It also has a high Curie temperature, meaning that it can be heated up to a high temperature before losing its magnetic properties. Because of these unique properties, galfenol has many potential applications in the field of engineering.
History And Discovery
Galfenol was discovered in 1999 as a result of a collaboration between the DOE's Ames Laboratory and the Magnetic Materials Group of the Carderock Division, which is part of the Naval Surface Warfare Centre.
Iron possesses some magnetostrictive properties, and it was discovered by United States Navy researchers in 1998 that doping gallium and iron boost the magnetization and magnetostrictive powers of iron.
They named these alloys of gallium and iron, galfenol. The existence of two additional magnetostrictive materials, Terefenol-D and Nickel (Ni) prompted its discovery.
The internal structure of galfenol, which is a mixture of gallium and iron that changes shape when subjected to a magnetic field, was discovered by the research team. Since the effect may also be reversed, a small amount of pressure bends the structure and creates visible magnetism. These types of magnetostrictors are essential components in sound detection devices.
Researchers utilized neutron beams to determine galfenol's structure. The experiment revealed that the addition of gallium alters the shape of the iron. A lattice of regular cubic cells at the atomic level is produced.
Several faces of the cells become rectangular rather than square when gallium binds with iron. Such elongated gallium-iron cells subsequently clump together in tiny clumps within the lattice. These clusters have been characterized as something that resembles raisins within a cake by Peter Gehring of the NIST Center for Neutron Research.
Characteristics
Galfenol comprises a distinct combination of mechanical properties as well as magnetic properties that aren't found in other smart materials.
Galfenol can be produced in such a way that it incorporates an internal, personalized pre-stress. The built-in pre-stress, also referred to as stress-annealing, permits the material to produce a magnetization and magnetostrictive reaction even when subjected to tensile pressures greater than 50 MPa.
Applications
Galfenol has a relatively high melting point, making it a good choice for use in high-temperature applications. The capacity to function under compression, mechanical durability, and high Curie temperature of 1,112 F (600 C) are drawing interest for alloy usage in mechanically demanding and high-temperature situations.
Galfenol is a machinable material and it can be used in wires and sheets processes.
Upcoming fuel injectors, actuators for precision machine tools, transducers for down-hole use, energy harvesting equipment, anti-clogging equipment for sifting screens, active anti-vibration systems, sensors, and spray nozzles are among the galfenol technology that is now being researched. Because of all of these qualities, galfenol is an excellent new material for engineers.
Sonar researchers are interested in galfenol because sound is detected using magnetostrictor materials, and enhancing the magnetostrictive action could improve the responsiveness of sonar detectors.
Use In Chemistry
Galfenol is a ferromagnetic material, meaning it has magnetic properties. Simple synthesis procedures using pre-fabricated multi-walled carbon nanotubes have produced a unique type of nanoparticle with the formula Fe3Ga. The tubes serve as a template and a protective layer, preventing oxidation and aggregation of the magnetic substance.
Both kinds of materials are classified in terms of their appearance, structural characteristics, and magnetic properties. The nanoparticles showed an increase in coercivity when compared to the bulk materials, making them ideal candidates for magnetic storage devices.
Since bulk galfenol is a recognized magnetostrictive material, it's worth looking into what happens when you shrink it down to the nanoscale dimension.
FAQs
What is galfenol used for?
Galfenol is being considered for precision machine tool actuators, vibrational energy harvesting, sifting screens, and active anti-vibration systems.
What is galfenol made of?
It is a metal alloy made up of gallium and iron. Different compositions of the two core materials produces different galfenol alloys.
What color is galfenol?
Galfenol is a reddish-brown color.
Where is galfenol used the most?
It is utilized to detect sound, and increasing the magnetostrictive action could improve sonar detector responsiveness.
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
Sources
http://tdvib.com/galfenol/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galfenol
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Carbon-nanotube-assisted-synthesis-of-ferromagnetic-Ghunaim-Eckert/69a11860454613ff24e9a9a5e2643441eaec91d8
https://phys.org/news/2009-03-scientists-spy-galfenol-beauty.html
See All
Master of Business Administration
Jaba SharmaMaster of Business Administration
A highly skilled content writer and editor, Jaba brings over six years of experience in the field to her role. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Science from Lucknow University and a Master's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in finance from the Institute of Environment & Management, Lucknow. Jaba's meticulous approach and creative mindset naturally led her into the world of content writing. She began her career as a Website Content Writer and Backend Admin at EventTraveler Pvt. Ltd, where she gained extensive experience in creating web pages, writing, and editing content and conducting in-depth web research.
Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts
Amatullah GulbargawalaBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Bachelor of Education specializing in the Language Arts
Amatullah is a passionate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Ashoka College of Education. With a keen interest in literature, she has excelled in elocution competitions and is an accomplished writer. She has completed courses like "History of English Language and Literature", "Introduction to Western Political Thought and Theory", and "Development of Soft Skills and Personality". In her free time, Amatullah enjoys reading books and writing poetry.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
