Characterizing nonlinear characteristics of asymmetric tristable energy harvesters. (1st April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Xiaoqing; Li, Haitao; Zhou, Shengxi; Yang, Zhichun; Litak, Grzegorz
• Is Part Of: Mechanical systems and signal processing. Volume 168(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04-01
• Subjects: Asymmetry -- Tristable -- Semi-analytical approach -- Melnikov method -- Chaos; Structural dynamics -- Periodicals; Vibration -- Periodicals; Constructions -- Dynamique -- Périodiques; Vibration -- Périodiques; Structural dynamics; Vibration; Periodicals; 621
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2021.108612
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0888-3270

Abstract

Highlights: The Melnikov method is used to predict chaotic motions of asymmetric TEHs. The critical threshold curves of the Melnikov function for TEHs are obtained. The output responses of different nonlinear energy harvesters are compared. Abstract: Ambient vibration conditions greatly influence the response of nonlinear energy harvesters. Recently, simulations and experiments have verified that tristable energy harvesters have excellent energy harvesting performance and complex nonlinear characteristics, which are important in broadening their effective operating frequency range. The response mechanism of the asymmetric tristable energy harvester is more complex than its symmetric counterpart. Owing to the complexities of the former, streamlined design methodologies and methods remain scarce. To facilitate future innovation and research on asymmetric tristable energy harvesters, this paper examines their nonlinear characteristics and energy harvesting performance. The Melnikov method is employed to predict the occurrence of chaotic motion, which is verified by numerical simulations. The chaotic dynamical system theory provides a simplified analytical framework that provides deeper insights into the performance of the asymmetric tristable energy harvester. Compared with its symmetric counterpart, the asymmetric tristable energy harvester can more easily jump into the interwell motion and output the higher voltage under low-level excitations.