A methodology is applied which allows the simultaneous determination of You
ng's modulus and the shear modulus to evaluate elastic moduli variations wi
th the magnetic field (Delta E and Delta G). The method employed is based o
n the simultaneous detection of the transverse and torsional natural freque
ncies of a slender magnetic bar located within a solenoid. The resultant vi
bration is detected via a heterodyne interferometric optical system with a
broad bandwidth. The vibration detection and excitation systems do not inte
ract with the sample. The applicability of the method is demonstrated by ch
aracterizing 10-mm-diameter nickel bars. The results are compared with thos
e obtained from longitudinal vibrations, (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All
rights reserved.