Improved one-dimensional model of piezoelectric laminates for energy harvesters including three dimensional effects. (1st September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gafforelli, Giacomo; Ardito, Raffaele; Corigliano, Alberto
• Is Part Of: Composite structures. Volume 127(2015)
• Page Start: 369
• Page End: 381
• Publication Date: 2015-09-01
• Subjects: Piezoelectric materials -- Energy harvesting -- MEMS -- Lamination theory; Composite construction -- Periodicals; Composites -- Périodiques; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2015.02.065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8223

Abstract

Abstract: The application of piezoelectric composites in energy harvesters is continuously increasing even at the microscale, with the immediate corollary of a fundamental need for improved computational tools for optimization of performances at the design level. In this paper, a refined, yet simple model is proposed with the aim of providing fast and insightful solutions to the multi-physics problem of energy harvesting via piezoelectric layered structures. The main objective is to retain a simple structural model (Euler–Bernoulli beam), with the inclusion of effects connected to the actual three-dimensional shape of the device. A thorough presentation of the analytical model is presented, along with its validation by comparison with the results of fully 3D computations.