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In this paper, we analytically and experimentally study the energy harvesting capability of submerged ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs). We consider base excitation of an IPMC strip that is shunted with an electric impedance and immersed in a fluid environment. We develop a modeling framework to predict the energy scavenged from the IPMC vibration as a function of the excitation frequency range, the constitutive and geometric properties of the IPMC, and the electric shunting load. The mechanical vibration of the IPMC strip is modeled through Kirchhoff-Love plate theory. The effect of the encompassing fluid on the IPMC vibration is described by using a linearized solution of the Navier-Stokes equations, that is traditionally considered in modeling atomic force microscope cantilevers. The dynamic chemo-electric response of the IPMC is described through the Poisson-Nernst-Planck model, in which the effect of mechanical deformations of the backbone polymer is accounted for. We present a closed-form solution for the current flowing through the IPMC strip as a function of the voltage across its electrodes and its deformation. We use modal analysis to establish a handleable expression for the power harvested from the vibrating IPMC and to optimize the shunting impedance for maximum energy harvesting. We validate theoretical findings through experiments conducted on IPMC strips vibrating in aqueous environments.

In this paper, we study the charge dynamics in ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) in response to a voltage difference applied across their electrodes. We use the Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations to model the time evolution of the electric potential and the concentration of mobile counterions. We present an analytical solution of the nonlinear initial-boundary value problem by using matched asymptotic expansions. We determine the charge and electric potential distributions as functions of time in the whole IPMC region. We show that in the bulk polymer region the IPMC is approximately electroneutral; in contrast, charge distribution boundary layers arise at the polymer-electrode interfaces. Prominent charge depletion and enrichment at the polymer-electrode interface are present even at moderately low input-voltage levels. We use the proposed analytical solution to derive a physics-based circuit model of IPMCs. The equivalent circuit comprises a linear resistor in series connection with a nonlinear capacitor. We derive closed-form expressions for the resistance and the capacitance by conducting a qualitative phase-plane analysis of the inner approximation of the asymptotic expansion. The circuit conductivity is independent of the IPMC dielectric constant and is proportional to the ion diffusivity; whereas, the capacitance is proportional to the square root of the dielectric constant and is independent of the diffusivity. The conductivity depends on the polymer thickness, while the capacitance is independent of it. The capacitance nonlinearity is extremely pronounced, and dramatic capacitance reduction is observed for moderately low voltage levels. We validate the proposed analytical solution along with the derived circuit model through extensive comparisons with finite element results available in the technical literature.

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To promote the advancement of novel observation techniques that may lead to new sources of information to help better understand the hydrological cycle, the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) established the Measurements and Observations in the XXI century (MOXXI) Working Group in July 2013. The group comprises a growing community of techenthusiastic hydrologists that design and develop their own sensing systems, adopt a multidisciplinary perspective in tackling complex observations, often use low-cost equipment intended for other applications to build innovative sensors, or perform opportunistic measurements. This paper states the objectives of the group and reviews major advances carried out by MOXXI members toward the advancement of hydrological sciences. Challenges and opportunities are outlined to provide strategic guidance for advancement of measurement, and thus discovery.

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A wide range of microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs) and devices are actuated using electrostatic forces. Multiphysics modeling is required, since coupling among different fields such as solid and fluid mechanics, thermomechanics and electromagnetism is involved. This work presents an overview of models for electrostatically actuated MEMSs. Three-dimensional nonlinear formulations for the coupled electromechanical fluid-structure interaction problem are outlined. Simplified reduced-order models are illustrated along with assumptions that define their range of applicability. Theoretical, numerical and experimental works are classified according to the mechanical model used in the analysis.