Eur. Phys. J. Spec. Top. (2022) 231: 1529-1536
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-022-00494-w

Regular Article

Analysis of piezoelectric skin on vibrating structure for energy harvesting and structural health monitoring applications

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Technická 2896/2, 616 69, Brno, Czech Republic

^a sevecek@fme.vutbr.cz

Received: 25 July 2021
Accepted: 20 February 2022
Published online: 4 March 2022

Abstract

The paper deals with a computational and experimental analysis of the relation between the layout of PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) patches on the vibrating structure and generated mean electrical power/voltage on them at different vibrational conditions (excited mode shapes). The electromechanical response of (variously distributed) PVDF patches upon vibrations of the plate is analysed in details using the FE model and a harmonic analysis. In the next step the simulation outputs are confronted and verified with experimental observations made on the real vibrating plate. Results of the numerical modelling define the most suitable and effective distribution of patches on the vibrating structure and an optimal connected resistance in their circuit, leading to a highest generated electrical power/voltage upon vibrations at various mode shapes. A comparison of simulation outputs with performed experiments shows a good agreement between both approaches which makes the modelling an applicable approach for a design of effective piezoelectric skins on (large) vibrating structures for both the energy harvesting and structural health monitoring application.