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Purpose The paper aims to deal with shape optimization of a novel thermoelastic clutch working on the principle of induction heating. The clutch consists of a driving part, with a ferromagnetic ring, and a driven part. The driving part rotates in a static field produced by appropriately arranged static permanent magnet. Currents induced in the rotating ferromagnetic ring cause its temperature to rise and increase its internal and external radii. As soon as its external diameter reaches the diameter of head of the driven part, it starts also rotating because of mechanical friction between both parts. Design/methodology/approach Presented is the complete mathematical model of the device, taking into account all relevant nonlinearities (saturation curve of the processed steel material and temperature dependences of its physical parameters). The forward solution is realized by the finite element method, and the shape optimization is solved using heuristic algorithms. Findings The clutch was found to be fully functional and may be used in applications with limited access into the device. Research limitations/implications The coefficient of expansion of material of the driven part must be substantially lower than the same coefficient of the driving part to keep the necessary friction torque. The clutch can be only used in applications where higher temperatures (such as 300°C) are not dangerous to the environment. Practical implications The presented model and methodology of its solution may represent a basis for design of devices for transfer of generally mechanical forces and torques. Originality/value This paper presents an idea of induction-produced thermoelastic connection of two parts capable of transferring mechanical forces and torques.

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Many technical applications (manipulators, actua tors, clamping devices, etc.) take advantage from the fact that the magnetic field strength and thus magnetic holding force of permanent magnets may temporarily be affected (decreased or increased) by suitably oriented external magnetic field. This field is usually generated by an appropriate direct current carrying coil. In this paper, this fact is quantified by numerical analysis and the results are verified by experimental measurement on a real device. The particular attention is given to the dependence of the holding force of the permanent magnet on the excitation current.