Work

A Closed-Form Solution for Harvesting Energy from the High-Order Sandwich Beam Subjected to Dynamic Loading

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents a closed-form solution for the dynamic response of a sandwich beam subjected to arbitrary impact loading, with a particular focus on energy harvesting from an attached piezoelectric layer. A thin piezoelectric patch is bonded to the bottom surface of the beam to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. The governing equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle, considering a non-symmetric sandwich cross-section and incorporating higher-order shear deformation effects. The state–space method is employed to obtain the exact dynamic response of the beam under impact excitation. The differential equations governing the output voltage and harvested power are solved analytically based on the derived response. The natural frequencies and dynamic responses are validated against classical beam theory, highlighting the significance of shear deformation. Numerical examples are provided to evaluate the generated voltage and energy harvesting efficiency. The results demonstrate the strong potential for energy harvesting from sandwich beam vibrations and elucidate the influence of impact loading conditions, distributed load amplitude, and the geometric dimensions of the beam on the harvested output.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15122135

Authors: Sy-Dan Dao, Dang-Diem Nguyen, Ngoc-Lam Nguyen, Duc-Kien Thai

Institutions: University of Transport and Communications, Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, Sejong University

Language: English

Topic: Innovative Energy Harvesting Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137