Optimization of design parameters of fracture resistant piezoelectric vibration energy harvester

conference paper

en

This paper is focused on an analysis of a multilayer ceramic-based piezoelectric vibration energy harvester, which could be excited by ambient vibrations or external forces and thus provide a useful source of electricity for modern electronics. The proposed multilayer concept of the energy harvester enables introduction of tensile / compressive residual stresses inside particular layers. These stresses are intended to be used for enhancement of the harvester´s fracture resistance and simultaneously for the improvement of the energy gain upon its operation. A crack arrest, by means of compressive residual stresses (in the outer “non-piezo” layer), will be utilized to this end. Primarily, the extended classical laminate theory (taking into account the piezoelectric characteristics of selected layers) will be used to define various designs of particular layers with various levels of residual stresses inside them. The weight function method is subsequently employed to select a design, which is most resistant to propagation of preexisting cracks. Selected laminate configurations are verified by means of FE simulations. Such analysis is essential for development of new energy harvesting systems formed of new smart materials and structures, which could be integrated in future development processes.

This paper is focused on an analysis of a multilayer ceramic-based piezoelectric vibration energy harvester, which could be excited by ambient vibrations or external forces and thus provide a useful source of electricity for modern electronics. The proposed multilayer concept of the energy harvester enables introduction of tensile / compressive residual stresses inside particular layers. These stresses are intended to be used for enhancement of the harvester´s fracture resistance and simultaneously for the improvement of the energy gain upon its operation. A crack arrest, by means of compressive residual stresses (in the outer “non-piezo” layer), will be utilized to this end. Primarily, the extended classical laminate theory (taking into account the piezoelectric characteristics of selected layers) will be used to define various designs of particular layers with various levels of residual stresses inside them. The weight function method is subsequently employed to select a design, which is most resistant to propagation of preexisting cracks. Selected laminate configurations are verified by means of FE simulations. Such analysis is essential for development of new energy harvesting systems formed of new smart materials and structures, which could be integrated in future development processes.

Crack propagation, Energy harvesting, Finite element method, Fracture toughness, Laminates, Multilayers, Piezoelectricity, Residual stresses

01.08.2018

Trans Tech Publications Ltd

9783035713503

1013-9826

Key Engineering Materials

774

416–422

7