Influence of pattern gradation on the design of piezocomposite energy harvesting devices using topology optimization

S. L. Vatanabe, G. H. Paulino, E. C.N. Silva

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Piezoelectric materials can be used to convert oscillatory mechanical energy into electrical energy. Energy harvesting devices are designed to capture the ambient energy surrounding the electronics and convert it into usable electrical energy. The design of energy harvesting devices is not obvious, requiring optimization procedures. This paper investigates the influence of pattern gradation using topology optimization on the design of piezocomposite energy harvesting devices based on bending behavior. The objective function consists of maximizing the electric power generated in a load resistor. A projection scheme is employed to compute the element densities from design variables and control the length scale of the material density. Examples of two-dimensional piezocomposite energy harvesting devices are presented and discussed using the proposed method. The numerical results illustrate that pattern gradation constraints help to increase the electric power generated in a load resistor and guides the problem toward a more stable solution.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2646-2654
Number of pages9
JournalComposites Part B: Engineering
Volume43
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Keywords

  • A. Ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs)
  • A. Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs)
  • B. Electrical properties
  • C. Finite element analysis (FEA)
  • Topology optimization

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