MAGNETOSTRICTIVE Meaning and
Definition
-
Magnetostrictive is an adjective that describes a property or phenomenon exhibited by certain materials under the influence of a magnetic field. It refers to the ability of a material to change its shape or dimensions in response to variations in an applied magnetic field. This property is also known as the magnetostrictive effect.
Magnetostrictive materials possess a unique characteristic that enables them to elongate or contract when exposed to a magnetic field. This change in shape is caused by the reorientation of atomic dipoles within the material, leading to strain. The degree of magnetostriction depends on the composition and structure of the material, as well as the strength of the applied magnetic field.
The magnetostrictive effect has various applications in engineering and technology. It is utilized in the development of magnetostrictive transducers, which convert electrical energy into mechanical motion. These transducers are commonly used in sensors, actuators, and devices such as level sensors, flow meters, and ultrasound generators.
Magnetostriction has also found applications in highly sensitive magnetic field sensors, such as magnetometers. The magnetostrictive property enables these sensors to detect and measure very small changes in magnetic fields, making them valuable tools in scientific research, geophysics, and industrial applications.
The term "magnetostrictive" thus describes the property of materials to change their shape or dimensions in response to a magnetic field and refers to the related phenomena and applications associated with this property.
Etymology of MAGNETOSTRICTIVE
The term "magnetostrictive" is derived from two key concepts: "magneto-" and "-strictive".
"Magneto-" comes from the word "magnet", which originates from the Latin word "magnes" meaning "stone of Magnesia". The ancient Greeks discovered that certain stones, later known as magnets, had the ability to attract iron objects. Over time, "magneto-" evolved to refer to anything related to magnetism.
The suffix "-strictive" comes from the Latin verb "stringere", which means "to draw tight" or "to bind together". It also relates to the Latin word "strictus", meaning "drawn tight" or "tightened". This suffix is often used to create adjectives denoting the act or nature of restricting or binding.
