Simulation-based Design of a Magnetostrictive Middle Ear Actuator

Abstract:
The continuously advancing technology as well as new findings on the topic of middle ear actuators generates constant interest in less complicated implantation methods while at the same time, in increasing the efficiency of the actuators. So far, middle ear actuators require complex surgery through the temporal bone and do not achieve the required minimum amplitude and frequency range due to limited space in the middle ear. A previously unexplored but promising concept for the latter is the use of magnetostriction, in which a magnetostrictive rod is changed in length by a constantly changing magnetic field. In this work, such an actuator was analysed by simulation, whereby the influence of the optimization of the structure of the actuator, a magnetic annealing process of the used Terfenol-D, and the use of a permanent magnet were investigated.