Vibration Energy Harvesting Characteristics of Pyramid Sandwich Beams Under Periodic Elastic Constraints
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Vibration energy harvesting from ambient mechanical sources offers a sustainable alternative to batteries for powering low-power electronics in remote environments, yet challenges persist in achieving broadband efficiency, low-frequency operation, and concurrent vibration suppression. Here, we introduce a pyramidal piezoelectric sandwich beam (PPSB) with periodic elastic constraints, leveraging homogenized lattice truss cores for enhanced electromechanical coupling. Using Lagrange equations, we derive the coupled dynamics, validated against finite element simulations with resonant frequency errors below 3%. Compared to equivalent-stiffness uniform beams, the PPSB exhibits 3.42-fold higher voltage and 11.68-fold greater power output, attributed to optimized strain distribution and resonance amplification. Parametric analyses reveal trade-offs: increasing core thickness or spring stiffness elevates resonant frequencies but reduces voltage peaks due to stiffness–strain imbalances; conversely, a larger beam length, truss radius or tilt angle will reduce the natural frequency while increasing the output through inertia and shear enhancement. Piezoelectric constants and load resistance minimally affect mechanics but optimize electrical impedance matching. This single-phase, geometrically tunable design bridges gaps in multifunctional metamaterials, enabling self-powered sensors with vibration attenuation for aerospace, civil infrastructure, and biomedical applications, paving the way for energy-autonomous systems.
Source: Journal of Composites Science
DOI: 10.3390/jcs9120659
Authors: Weimin Xiao, Junjuan Zhao, Jingkai Nie, Shuai Jiang, Zhenkun Guo, Lei Shi
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,172
Award: G7146485920
OpenAlex ID: W4417051121