High force-to-volume Terfenol-D reaction mass actuator: modeling and design

A high force to volume ratio magnetostrictive reaction mass actuator has been designed and developed. The actuator operates as a resonant device allowing the stored strain energy to be utilized. A discussion of the design issues associated with this actuator are presented. In addition, preliminary data is presented for this actuator. This data includes a linear analysis, evidence of parameter variation, and preliminary small signal tests intended to explore this behavior.