Finite element modeling of the sensing and energy harvesting performance in ionic polymer metal composites

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbar Akle ◽  
Wassim Habchi
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Finite Element Modeling ◽  
Metal Composites ◽  
Ionic Polymer Metal Composites ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Element Modeling ◽  
Polymer Metal

Energy Harvesting From Base Excitation of a Biomimetic Fish Tail Hosting Ionic Polymer Metal Composites

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youngsu Cha ◽  
Matteo Verotti ◽  
Horace Walcott ◽  
Sean D. Peterson ◽  
Maurizio Porfiri
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Rectangular Cross Section ◽  
Base Excitation ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Metal Composites ◽  
Ionic Polymer Metal Composites ◽  
Ionic Polymer ◽  
Polymer Metal ◽  
Fixed Axis ◽  
Large Amplitude Vibrations

In this study, we seek to understand the feasibility of energy harvesting from the tail beating motion of a fish through active compliant materials. Specifically, we analyze energy harvesting from the undulations of a biomimetic fish tail hosting ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs). The design of the biomimetic tail is specifically inspired by the morphology of the heterocercal tail of thresher sharks. We propose a modeling framework for the underwater vibration of the biomimetic tail, wherein the tail is assimilated to a cantilever beam with rectangular cross section. We focus on base excitation in the form of a superimposed rotation about a fixed axis and we consider the regime of moderately large–amplitude vibrations. In this context, the effect of the encompassing fluid is described through a nonlinear hydrodynamic function. The feasibility of harvesting energy from an IPMC attached to the vibrating structure is assessed and modeled via an electromechanical framework. Experiments are performed to validate the theoretical expectations on energy harvesting from the biomimetic tail.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document