Step by step for the procedure for Comsol simulation of mechanically actuated magnetic

composite nanopillars by applied external magnetic field:

1- Model cylindrical shaped micro-pillars of size in micrometers (≈ 5 μm in diameter) made from

(UV-curable poly (urethane acrylate) (PUA) based nanocomposite resin). The composite shall be
comprised of 15 vol% nanofillers of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with
functionalized silica shells (Fe3O4@SiO2, average diameter of ≈30 nm.

2- Applying material properties & multibody dynamics to the micropillars where the base shall
have a static joint and the rest of the micropillar shall have deflection/bending properties.

3- Adding nanoparticles with magnetic properties (iron oxide) inside these silicone/resin matrix
micropillars. 3 models shall be created with different concentration areas inside micropillars
which are (i) Uniform distribution pillars (UP) where the concentration of the magnetic
nanoparticles is uniform, (ii) Small deformation pillars (SDP) where the concentration is at the
bottom, (iii) Large deformation pillars (LDP) where the concentration will be at the top &
deformation will be larger. Note that the deformation will be based on the applied external
horizontal magnetic force.
Note: Challenge is to convert the dynamics of the nanoparticles (due to applied external magnetic
field) into the deflection of the micropillars in Comsol to achieve the bending effect. Also need to
consider whether the magnetized concentration shall be simulated as discrete nano dipoles or instead
a continuous system/area. Working shall be on three overlapping domains 1-air , 2- silicone/resin 3-
magnetic nanoparticles.
4- Below are sample results which shall be calculated through the simulation which includes
elastic modulus of the composite micropillars and angle of deflection.
The Below image describes the general procedure for making these micropillars where the
liquid composite of iron oxide nanoparticles & silicone resin (homogeneous PUA/Fe3O4@SiO2)
is filled in the nano cavities and there after adjusting the magnetic nanoparticles concentration
as UP,SDP or LDP by applying horizontal magnetic field and then finally curing/locking their
state by UV rays.