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Abstract
This paper presents a mathematical model of a piezo-plate energy-harvesting scheme. An analytical method is used to generate a finite element model of the coupled piezoelectric sensor element using Love-Kirchhoff's plate theory. Constitutive equations for a single layer plate element are formulated. The polarisation of the piezoelectric sensor bounded on the upper plate structure is due to ambient vibration exerted on the structure. Forced vibration of the smart structure will create strain energy within the crystalline structure of the piezoelectric material. The resulting electric field generated by the sensor element was modelled using a linear thickness interpolation function and the meshed plate elements were modelled using four-node rectangular elements with three degrees of freedom for each node. The structural eigenmodes and dynamic response of the coupled piezo-plate system were solved by using modal analysis and Newmark-ß integration methods respectively. The analysis is demonstrated with both dynamic displacement and electric voltage responses to an applied step force. Further modelling of the smart structure is aimed at maximising the power generation capability.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
M F Lumentut
Mikail is a research student of Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University of Technology. His research interests include applied mechanics, FEA, mathematical programming, computational vibrations, and mathematical intelligent structures. He received his Research Master from Curtin University of Technology on Dynamic Systems for vibration power harvesting. Currently, he is pursuing PhD study on intelligent structures for energy harvesting under the supervision from Associate Professor Ian Howard.