Topology optimization of vibrational piezoelectric energy harvesters for structural health monitoring applications. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Townsend, Scott; Grigg, Stephen; Picelli, Renato; Featherston, Carol; Kim, Hyunsun Alicia
• Is Part Of: Journal of intelligent material systems and structures. Volume 30:Number 18/19(2019)
• Page Start: 2894
• Page End: 2907
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Topology optimization -- vibrational piezoelectric energy harvester -- structural health monitoring; Smart materials -- Periodicals; Intelligent control systems -- Periodicals; Artificial intelligence -- Periodicals; Matériaux intelligents -- Périodiques; Commande intelligente -- Périodiques; Intelligence artificielle -- Périodiques; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1177/1045389X19873392
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1045-389X

Abstract

Aircraft structures exhibit localized vibrations over a wide range of frequencies. Such vibrations can be used to power sensors which then monitor the health of the structure. Conventional vibrational piezoelectric harvesting involves optimizing the harvester for one distinct frequency. The aim of this work is to design a wireless vibrational piezoelectric system capable of energy harvesting in the range of 100–500 Hz by tailoring the resonant behavior of cantilever structures. We herein employ a model capable of predicting the performance of a piezoelectric cantilever retrofit on a structural health monitoring sensor and then formulate a design optimization problem and solve with the level set topology optimization method. The designs are verified through fabrication of experimental prototypes.