Effect of magnetic field on the mechanical properties of magnetostrictive iron-gallium nanowires

This study experimentally investigates the elastic properties of individual iron-gallium nanowires with and without an applied magnetic bias field. The experiments were conducted with a custom manipulator stage designed for use within a scanning electron microscope, where nanowires were mechanically tested both statically and dynamically. Experiments were also performed in the presence of a 20 Oe dc magnetic field in order to identify any variation in wire properties. The results suggest that iron-gallium nanowires possess an elastic modulus very similar to the macroscale value, tensile strengths of more than double the bulk material, and minor magnetic field induced stiffening at low stresses.