Energy harvesting from flutter instabilities of heavy flags in water through ionic polymer metal composites

Alberto Giacomello; Maurizio Porfiri

doi:10.1117/12.879856

28 March 2011 Energy harvesting from flutter instabilities of heavy flags in water through ionic polymer metal composites

Alberto Giacomello, Maurizio Porfiri

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7976, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2011; 797608 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.879856
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze underwater energy harvesting from the flutter instability of a heavy flag hosting an ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC). The heavy flag comprises a highly compliant membrane with periodic metal reinforcements to maximize the weight and minimize the bending stiffness, thus promoting flutter at moderately low flow speed. An IPMC strip is mechanically attached to the host flag and connected to an external load. The entire structure is immersed in a background flow whose intensity is parametrically varied to explore the onset of flutter instability along with the relation between the vibration frequency and the mean flow speed. Manageable theoretical models for fluid-structure interaction and IPMC response are presented to inform the harvester design and interpret experimental data. Further, optimal parameters for energy scavenging maximization, including resistive load and flow conditions, are identified.

Citation Download Citation

Alberto Giacomello and Maurizio Porfiri "Energy harvesting from flutter instabilities of heavy flags in water through ionic polymer metal composites", Proc. SPIE 7976, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2011, 797608 (28 March 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.879856

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