Mathematical Modeling and Finite Element Simulation of the M8514-P2 Composite Piezoelectric Transducer for Energy Harvesting

This paper focuses on the mathematical and numerical modeling of a non-classical macro fiber composite (MFC) piezoelectric transducer, MFC-P2, integrated with an aluminum cantilever beam for energy harvesting applications. It seeks to harness the transverse vibration energy in the environment to pow...

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Main Authors: Demeke Girma Wakshume, Marek Łukasz Płaczek
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Sensors
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/10/3071
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author Demeke Girma Wakshume
Marek Łukasz Płaczek
author_facet Demeke Girma Wakshume
Marek Łukasz Płaczek
author_sort Demeke Girma Wakshume
collection DOAJ
description This paper focuses on the mathematical and numerical modeling of a non-classical macro fiber composite (MFC) piezoelectric transducer, MFC-P2, integrated with an aluminum cantilever beam for energy harvesting applications. It seeks to harness the transverse vibration energy in the environment to power small electronic devices, such as wireless sensors, where conventional power sources are inconvenient. The P2-type macro fiber composites (MFC-P2) are specifically designed for transverse energy harvesting applications. They offer high electric source capacitance and improved electric charge generation due to the strain developed perpendicularly to the voltage produced. The system is modeled analytically using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and piezoelectric constitutive equations, capturing the electromechanical coupling in the d31 mode. Numerical simulations are conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.29 to reduce the complexity of the mathematical model and analyze the effects of material properties, geometric configurations, and excitation conditions. The theoretical model is based on the transverse vibrations of a cantilevered beam using Euler–Bernoulli theory. The natural frequencies and mode shapes for the first four are determined. Depending on these, the resonance frequency, voltage, and power outputs are evaluated across a 12 kΩ resistive load. The results demonstrate that the energy harvester effectively operates near its fundamental resonant frequency of 10.78 Hz, achieving the highest output voltage of approximately 0.1952 V and a maximum power output of 0.0031 mW. The generated power is sufficient to drive ultra-low-power devices, validating the viability of MFC-based cantilever structures for autonomous energy harvesting systems. The application of piezoelectric phenomena and obtaining electrical energy from mechanical vibrations can be powerful solutions in such systems. The application of piezoelectric phenomena to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy presents a promising solution for self-powered mechatronic systems, enabling energy autonomy in embedded sensors, as well as being used for structural health monitoring applications.
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spelling doaj-art-4bf92d7d8d76423cb3bb9e3bba96f03a2025-08-20T03:12:04ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-05-012510307110.3390/s25103071Mathematical Modeling and Finite Element Simulation of the M8514-P2 Composite Piezoelectric Transducer for Energy HarvestingDemeke Girma Wakshume0Marek Łukasz Płaczek1Department of Engineering Processes, Automation and Integrated Manufacturing Systems, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 18a Street, 44-100 Gliwice, PolandDepartment of Engineering Processes, Automation and Integrated Manufacturing Systems, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 18a Street, 44-100 Gliwice, PolandThis paper focuses on the mathematical and numerical modeling of a non-classical macro fiber composite (MFC) piezoelectric transducer, MFC-P2, integrated with an aluminum cantilever beam for energy harvesting applications. It seeks to harness the transverse vibration energy in the environment to power small electronic devices, such as wireless sensors, where conventional power sources are inconvenient. The P2-type macro fiber composites (MFC-P2) are specifically designed for transverse energy harvesting applications. They offer high electric source capacitance and improved electric charge generation due to the strain developed perpendicularly to the voltage produced. The system is modeled analytically using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and piezoelectric constitutive equations, capturing the electromechanical coupling in the d31 mode. Numerical simulations are conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.29 to reduce the complexity of the mathematical model and analyze the effects of material properties, geometric configurations, and excitation conditions. The theoretical model is based on the transverse vibrations of a cantilevered beam using Euler–Bernoulli theory. The natural frequencies and mode shapes for the first four are determined. Depending on these, the resonance frequency, voltage, and power outputs are evaluated across a 12 kΩ resistive load. The results demonstrate that the energy harvester effectively operates near its fundamental resonant frequency of 10.78 Hz, achieving the highest output voltage of approximately 0.1952 V and a maximum power output of 0.0031 mW. The generated power is sufficient to drive ultra-low-power devices, validating the viability of MFC-based cantilever structures for autonomous energy harvesting systems. The application of piezoelectric phenomena and obtaining electrical energy from mechanical vibrations can be powerful solutions in such systems. The application of piezoelectric phenomena to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy presents a promising solution for self-powered mechatronic systems, enabling energy autonomy in embedded sensors, as well as being used for structural health monitoring applications.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/10/3071energy harvestingmacro fiber compositenatural frequencyamplitudemode shapemechanical vibration
spellingShingle Demeke Girma Wakshume
Marek Łukasz Płaczek
Mathematical Modeling and Finite Element Simulation of the M8514-P2 Composite Piezoelectric Transducer for Energy Harvesting
Sensors
energy harvesting
macro fiber composite
natural frequency
amplitude
mode shape
mechanical vibration
title Mathematical Modeling and Finite Element Simulation of the M8514-P2 Composite Piezoelectric Transducer for Energy Harvesting
title_full Mathematical Modeling and Finite Element Simulation of the M8514-P2 Composite Piezoelectric Transducer for Energy Harvesting
title_fullStr Mathematical Modeling and Finite Element Simulation of the M8514-P2 Composite Piezoelectric Transducer for Energy Harvesting
title_full_unstemmed Mathematical Modeling and Finite Element Simulation of the M8514-P2 Composite Piezoelectric Transducer for Energy Harvesting
title_short Mathematical Modeling and Finite Element Simulation of the M8514-P2 Composite Piezoelectric Transducer for Energy Harvesting
title_sort mathematical modeling and finite element simulation of the m8514 p2 composite piezoelectric transducer for energy harvesting
topic energy harvesting
macro fiber composite
natural frequency
amplitude
mode shape
mechanical vibration
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/10/3071
work_keys_str_mv AT demekegirmawakshume mathematicalmodelingandfiniteelementsimulationofthem8514p2compositepiezoelectrictransducerforenergyharvesting
AT marekłukaszpłaczek mathematicalmodelingandfiniteelementsimulationofthem8514p2compositepiezoelectrictransducerforenergyharvesting