Design of Arbitrary Magnetic Patterns on Magnetic Polymer Composite Objects: A Finite Element Modelling Tool

Abstract

Magnetic sensor systems integrate a sensing element and magnetic field generators to determine their relative position or to measure movement. Typically, the magnetic fields are produced by permanent magnets, which have high intensity but are hard to machine into custom shapes. However, novel solutions using magnetic polymer composites (MPCs) have emerged as field generators due to their low cost, weight and patterning freedom. Here, we present a finite element model developed in COMSOL Multiphysics that allows the design of complex magnetization patterns on these polymer composites, taking into account the geometries of the parts and the magnetic properties of the materials employed. The model, together with the characterization protocol of the materials, has proved to be capable of predicting the magnetization of polymer composites at different temperatures. In addition, the model incorporates the properties of the magnets used during the magnetization process, such as the size, shape and magnetization, as well as the properties of the surrounding elements. This new model facilitates the design of new polymeric parts with complex shapes and magnetization patterns that can be employed as field generators in magnetic sensing systems.