Improvement of tensile properties in Al matrix composite by giant magnetostriction effect

Abstract

A composite consisting of Al matrix and giant magnetostriction particles was fabricated by powder metallurgy. The composite was heat treated under a magnetic field, where the particles induced giant magnetostriction, and after turning off the magnetic field at room temperature, the matrix possessed compressive residual stress. Tensile tests revealed that the above magnetization heat treatment improved the yield strength of the composite. The result proposed the new magnetostriction strengthening mechanism.