Analysis of the impact of mechanical guidance on active MSM-stick elongation behavior

Mechatronic systems based on magnetic shape memory alloy (MSM) are in research and early development for a variety of applications, due to their advantageous material properties such as high strain and energy density. In order to make a transition from research to application of MSM-based systems, topics of technology transfer need to be examined. One such topic is the ability of miniaturization, and thus the achievable stroke for a given magnetic excitation and its repeatability. In this paper a concept is presented for secure mechanical mounting of an MSM-stick and guidance of its elongation movement. The influence of this guidance on the elongation behaviour concerning average stroke, dispersion of stroke and dynamics of the elongation of the MSM-stick is reviewed by analysing experimental data.