Modeling of Magnetoelectric Effects in Ferromagnetic/Piezoelectric Bulk Composites

We discuss a model that considers the bulk composite as a homogeneous medium with piezoelectric and magnetostrictive subsystems. We solve combined elastostatic, electrostatic and magnetostatic equations to obtain effective composite parameters (piezoelectric modules, magnetostriction factors, compliances, magnetoelectric coefficients) for 3-0 and 0-3 connectivities. Expressions for longitudinal and transverse low-frequency magnetoelectric voltage coefficients have been obtained for unclamped and clamped samples. Volume fractions for peak low-frequency effective magnetoelectric voltage coefficient are found to be dependent on specific connectivity. Clamping leads to significant variation in magnetoelectric voltage coefficients. The calculated magnetoelectric coefficients are compared with data.