Utilizing Materials With Controllable Curie Temperatures for Magnetic Actuation Purposes

The magnetic force between a permanent magnet and different blocks of ferromagnetic materials was measured and calculated as a function of distance and temperature in the vicinity of the Curie temperature of the materials. The calculations were carried out using a 3-D finite-element model of the system. On the basis of forces predicted by the model a number of equilibrium points were calculated for a system where the magnetic force on a ferromagnetic block of material is balanced by a linear spring force. It is shown how these calculation procedures can be used as a tool for designing autonomous temperature dependent and temperature adjustable actuation systems. A shunt valve utilizing such a system was designed, built and tested.