This CMI-funded research was conducted at Ames Laboratory
Achievement:
Method for predicting the mechanical performance of Sm-Co magnets has been developed using multi-scale, multi-physics modeling, including finite element analysis. We found changes in failure modes depending on the type of microstructure
Significance and Impact:
- Confirms mechanical properties of Sm-Co can depend on microstructural architecture
- Reveals why mechanical properties change with microstructure and how microstructural engineering can be applied to design more mechanically robust Sm-Co magnets
- CMI results expand the manufacture and application of Sm-Co magnets for large external loading applications (e.g., high rpm motors)
Details and Next Steps:
- One next step is to extend the 2D model to 3D
- Move from randomly distributed grains to other microstructural architectures, taking into consideration manufacturability