Mathematical Modeling of an Active-Fiber Composite Energy Harvester with Interdigitated Electrodes

The use of active-fiber composites (AFC) instead of traditional ceramic piezoelectric materials is motivated by flexibility and relatively high actuation capacity. Nevertheless, their energy harvesting capabilities remain low. As a first step toward the enhancement of AFC’s performances, a mathemati...

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Main Authors: A. Jemai, F. Najar, M. Chafra, Z. Ounaies
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2014-01-01
Series:Shock and Vibration
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/971597
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author A. Jemai
F. Najar
M. Chafra
Z. Ounaies
author_facet A. Jemai
F. Najar
M. Chafra
Z. Ounaies
author_sort A. Jemai
collection DOAJ
description The use of active-fiber composites (AFC) instead of traditional ceramic piezoelectric materials is motivated by flexibility and relatively high actuation capacity. Nevertheless, their energy harvesting capabilities remain low. As a first step toward the enhancement of AFC’s performances, a mathematical model that accurately simulates the dynamic behavior of the AFC is proposed. In fact, most of the modeling approaches found in the literature for AFC are based on finite element methods. In this work, we use homogenization techniques to mathematically describe piezoelectric properties taking into consideration the composite structure of the AFC. We model the interdigitated electrodes as a series of capacitances and current sources linked in parallel; then we integrate these properties into the structural model of the AFC. The proposed model is incorporated into a vibration based energy harvesting system consisting of a cantilever beam on top of which an AFC patch is attached. Finally, analytical solutions of the dynamic behavior and the harvested voltage are proposed and validated with finite element simulations.
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spelling doaj-art-2d7ed2adbbe6474f8663b062202d09842025-08-20T03:20:25ZengWileyShock and Vibration1070-96221875-92032014-01-01201410.1155/2014/971597971597Mathematical Modeling of an Active-Fiber Composite Energy Harvester with Interdigitated ElectrodesA. Jemai0F. Najar1M. Chafra2Z. Ounaies3Applied Mechanics and Systems Research Laboratory, Tunisia Polytechnic School, University of Carthage, BP 743, 2078 La Marsa, TunisiaApplied Mechanics and Systems Research Laboratory, Tunisia Polytechnic School, University of Carthage, BP 743, 2078 La Marsa, TunisiaApplied Mechanics and Systems Research Laboratory, Tunisia Polytechnic School, University of Carthage, BP 743, 2078 La Marsa, TunisiaDepartment of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 157B Hammond Building, University Park, PA 16802, USAThe use of active-fiber composites (AFC) instead of traditional ceramic piezoelectric materials is motivated by flexibility and relatively high actuation capacity. Nevertheless, their energy harvesting capabilities remain low. As a first step toward the enhancement of AFC’s performances, a mathematical model that accurately simulates the dynamic behavior of the AFC is proposed. In fact, most of the modeling approaches found in the literature for AFC are based on finite element methods. In this work, we use homogenization techniques to mathematically describe piezoelectric properties taking into consideration the composite structure of the AFC. We model the interdigitated electrodes as a series of capacitances and current sources linked in parallel; then we integrate these properties into the structural model of the AFC. The proposed model is incorporated into a vibration based energy harvesting system consisting of a cantilever beam on top of which an AFC patch is attached. Finally, analytical solutions of the dynamic behavior and the harvested voltage are proposed and validated with finite element simulations.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/971597
spellingShingle A. Jemai
F. Najar
M. Chafra
Z. Ounaies
Mathematical Modeling of an Active-Fiber Composite Energy Harvester with Interdigitated Electrodes
Shock and Vibration
title Mathematical Modeling of an Active-Fiber Composite Energy Harvester with Interdigitated Electrodes
title_full Mathematical Modeling of an Active-Fiber Composite Energy Harvester with Interdigitated Electrodes
title_fullStr Mathematical Modeling of an Active-Fiber Composite Energy Harvester with Interdigitated Electrodes
title_full_unstemmed Mathematical Modeling of an Active-Fiber Composite Energy Harvester with Interdigitated Electrodes
title_short Mathematical Modeling of an Active-Fiber Composite Energy Harvester with Interdigitated Electrodes
title_sort mathematical modeling of an active fiber composite energy harvester with interdigitated electrodes
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/971597
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AT fnajar mathematicalmodelingofanactivefibercompositeenergyharvesterwithinterdigitatedelectrodes
AT mchafra mathematicalmodelingofanactivefibercompositeenergyharvesterwithinterdigitatedelectrodes
AT zounaies mathematicalmodelingofanactivefibercompositeenergyharvesterwithinterdigitatedelectrodes