Role of Electromechanical Coupling, Locomotion Type and Damping on the Effectiveness of Fish-Like Robot Energy Harvesters

In this work, an investigation into the influence of prescribed motion on a body caudal fin aquatic unmanned vehicle (AUV) energy harvester is carried out. The undulatory–oscillation locomotion inspired by fishes actuates composite beam representative spinal column with piezoelectric patch. Two patch configurations—one at head and tail—are considered for AUV harvester, length that would not activate harmonic in system. An electromechanical model which accounts strain induced relative developed. Discretizing using Galerkin’s method requires convergence study impacts motion, dependent undulation envelope are investigated. combination structural terms leads to coupling multiple investigations. removal system produces more consistent response. performances two different configurations undergoing motions studied coupled damping frequency effects. uncoupled Gauss law-based adopted compare performance our approach harvester. It demonstrated there complex interaction phases structure can lead development or destruction response total voltage results show type most influential parameters validity approach. also found optimal resistances representations same considered.