Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from Functionally Graded Beams Using Modified Shear Deformation Theories

In the current paper, the piezoelectric energy harvesting of inhomogeneous beams based on modified beam models is studied. Different classical boundary conditions, which are combination of free, simply and clamped, are contemplated for the structure. The beam mechanical properties are assumed to vary based on the power law along the thickness direction in which volume fractions of the ceramic and metal part can be adjusted using FG parameter. Here, various beam theories such as Euler-Bernoulli, exponential, trigonometric, hyperbolic and fifth-order are modelled using a unified formulation. These beam theories are capable of catching rotary inertia effects and transverse shear deformations. The vibrational performance of the beam is affected by the harmonic vibrations of the base. Additionally, two different types of damping including structural damping and viscous damping are modelled in the current formulation. Transverse deflection of the beam is obtained using modal expansion and then electrical power, current and voltage outputs are calculated. Ultimately, in the discussion section, the impacts of different parameters on the vibration and energy harvesting of the beam are analyzed.