A geometrically nonlinear shear deformable beam model for piezoelectric energy harvesters

Abstract An electromechanical model for beam-like piezoelectric energy harvesters based on Reissner’s beam theory is developed in this paper. The proposed captures first-order shear deformation and large displacement/rotation, which distinguishes from other models reported the literature. All governing equations are presented detail, making associated framework extensible to investigate various harvesters. weak formulation then derived obtain approximate solution by finite element method. This scheme completely coupled, thus allows two-way interaction between mechanical electrical fields. To validate model, extensive numerical examples implemented linear nonlinear regime. In limit, produces results excellent agreement with reference data. regime, amplitude response of induced strong base excitation or fluid flow considered, comparison literature data encouraging. ability predict limit cycle oscillations axial demonstrated.