Analysis of energy conversion using piezoelectric materials and structures with acoustic black holes

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze energy conversion in two configurations of piezoelectric material placement in acoustic black holes. These structures concentrate vibrational energy due to the gradual reduction in thickness, making them ideal for energy harvesting. In the first configuration, piezoelectric materials are placed at the outer edges of the hole; in the second, at the inner edges. The material is applied only to specific regions, rather than covering the entire inner or outer edge. The same amount of piezoelectric material is used in both cases, being able to act as both a vibration damper and an energy harvester. This study investigates the optimal position for piezoelectric material placement, comparing energy conversion at the outer vs. inner edges of a central elliptical hole. The finite element method was used to discretize the structural domain, considering elliptical hole geometries. Dynamic structural analysis was applied to compute energy distributions and conversions. The results showed that the placement of the piezoelectric material influences energy conversion, with the most suitable position being along the outer edge of the hole. These findings reinforce the importance of optimal piezoelectric placement for maximizing energy harvesting in structures with acoustic black holes.