Evaluation of External Magnetic Flux Density in Piezo-Flexomagnetic Nanobeams Using a Hybrid 1D-2D Finite Element Framework

Abstract

This study numerically evaluates the external magnetic flux density generated in air by the bending of a piezo-flexomagnetic nanobeam. In several classes of non-contact sensors, the magnetic field induced in the surrounding medium is often more useful than the internal magnetic response. However, most theoretical studies on piezo-flexomagnetic nanostructures neglect the external magnetic domain. The proposed framework employs a coupled hybrid finite element formulation combining a 1D Timoshenko beam model with a 2D magnetostatic problem encompassing both the beam body and the surrounding air domain. The formulation is verified against analytical solutions of magnetically isolated piezo-flexomagnetic beams. The results demonstrate the presence of a significant external magnetic flux distribution in free-standing structures, even in the absence of piezomagnetic coupling. A systematic sensitivity analysis further identifies the material parameters most strongly influencing the external transverse magnetic flux density. These findings provide insight into the design of nanoscale non-contact magnetoelastic sensing systems.