On a new electromechanical switch using the reversible wavy elastic response of metallic glass ribbons

Abstract

For the first time, practical applications as an alarm device and automatic filling of an aquarium using an electromechanical switch manufactured from metallic glass (MG) ribbon is proposed. The elastic response of an initial arc-shaped MG ribbon-based Fe90.65B3.9Cr2.75Si2.7 is studied and exploited. Under the applied load F, the amorphous material exhibits a reversible elastic wavy response. During the elastic deformation and multiplication of harmonic undulations, a perfect linear contact between the waves and support is established. This contact position is the same for the pair waves, and can be employed to ensure the passage of an electric current, since the ribbon is Fe-based. The reversible elastic wavy response of MG ribbon can be used as an electromechanical switch. The lifespan of the ribbon used as a switch is also considered.