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    How to grow single-crystalline and epitaxial NiTi films in (100)- and (111)-orientation
    (Bristol : IOP Publishing, 2023) Lünser, Klara; Undisz, Andreas; Nielsch, Kornelius; Fähler, Sebastian
    Understanding the martensitic microstructure in nickel-titanium (NiTi) thin films helps to optimize their properties for applications in microsystems. Epitaxial and single-crystalline films can serve as model systems to understand the microstructure, as well as to exploit the anisotropic mechanical properties of NiTi. Here, we analyze the growth of NiTi on single-crystalline MgO(100) and Al2O3(0001) substrates and optimize film and buffer deposition conditions to achieve epitaxial films in (100)- and (111)-orientation. On MgO(100), we compare the transformation behavior and crystal quality of (100)-oriented NiTi films on different buffer layers. We demonstrate that a vanadium buffer layer helps to decrease the low-angle grain boundary density in the NiTi film, which inhibits undesired growth twins and leads to higher transformation temperatures. On Al2O3(0001), we analyze the orientation of a chromium buffer layer and find that it grows (111)-oriented only in a narrow temperature range around 500 ∘C. By depositing the Cr buffer below the NiTi film, we can prepare (111)-oriented, epitaxial films with transformation temperatures above room temperature. Transmission electron microscopy confirms a martensitic microstructure with Guinier Preston-zone precipitates at room temperature. We identify the deposition conditions to approach the ideal single crystalline state, which is beneficial for the analysis of the martensitic microstructure and anisotropic mechanical properties in different film orientations.
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    Origin and avoidance of double peaks in the induced voltage of a thermomagnetic generator for harvesting low-grade waste heat
    (Bristol : IOP Publishing, 2022) Dzekan, Daniel; Kischnik, Tim D.; Diestel, Anett; Nielsch, Kornelius; Fähler, Sebastian
    Thermomagnetic harvesting is an emerging approach used to convert low-grade waste heat to electricity, which recently obtained a boost due to the development of both more efficient functional materials and innovative device concepts. Here, we examine a thermomagnetic generator which utilizes gadolinium as the thermomagnetic material and report on the double peaks of the induced voltage. Using a combination of experiments and theory we show that these double peaks originate from the interaction between an asymmetric magnetization curve and a pretzel-like magnetic field topology. Double peaks are detrimental for the output power and can be avoided by matching the magnetization change by adjusting the cold and hot fluid flow.
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    Analysis of the high-speed rotary motion of a superconducting magnetic bearing during ring spinning
    (Bristol : IOP Publishing, 2020) Sparing, Maria; Espenhahn, Tilo; Fuchs, Günter; Hossain, Mahmud; Abdkader, Anwar; Nielsch, Kornelius; Cherif, Chokri; Hühne, Ruben
    Ring spinning is the leading textile technology for the production of short staple yarn, which runs commercially up to a maximum speed of 25 000 rpm. Higher speeds result in yarn damage mainly due to frictional heat. To eliminate this limitation, a friction-free superconducting magnetic bearing (SMB) was introduced as alternative high-speed yarn twist element consisting of a cryostat with an array of superconductors and a levitating permanent magnet ring with a yarn guide. Whereas stable spinning was possible until 30 000 rpm, it turned out that the new SMB twist element is more susceptible to external disturbances resulting in oscillating movements of the magnet. Therefore, a measurement system with an array of 5 synchronized optical laser triangulation sensors and one tachometer was implemented to analyse this motion in detail during spinning with high speeds. To test the system, the spinning speed was varied between 10 000 rpm and 21 000 rpm for different yarn qualities. In general, the magnetic ring oscillates around its centre position with the rotation frequency and a peak amplitude between 10 μm and 14 μm, which might be due to a small imbalance of the magnet. At the same time, the small tilt of the ring remained fixed with respect to the machine for all speeds. In addition, larger oscillation amplitudes of up to 300 μm are observed at 18 Hz for selected spinning parameters arising most probably from resonance effects with machine vibrations.