Modelling and Analysis of Elliptical Cantilever Device Using Flexure Method and Fabrication of Electrospun PVDF/BaTiO₃ Nanocomposites

Abstract

Cantilever-based piezoelectric has been the most preferred technique for energy harvesting and sensing application due to its simple design. The energy conversion efficiency has been continuously improved by exploring alternative cantilever geometries by increasing the stress distribution on the beam surface. In this paper, we have introduced half elliptical and full elliptical profile modification in the cantilever structure to improve and uniformly distribute the stress at the beam surface. Stress distribution characteristics of the modified cantilever beams were investigated and compared using finite element analysis. Based on the theoretical and finite element analysis, cantilever beams were fabricated using 3D print technology. Fabricated cantilever beams were then used to investigate the piezoelectric performances of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in composite of barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles in the form of electrospun composite nanofibers. FTIR analysis shows successful conversion of alpha phase to beta phase of PVDF and PVDF/BaTiO3 nanocomposites. During 6[Formula: see text]Hz cyclic actuating experiment, maximum voltage output of 0.15[Formula: see text]V and 1.5[Formula: see text]nA current output were observed. The concept was proposed to replace MEMS-based sensor in hand tremor quantification to assist Parkinson disease management.

Enhancing Sensitivity in Piezoelectric Micro Cantilever Designs Using Stress Concentration Regions for Label Free Detection

“…This may indicate structural integrity or stability difficulties. Low deflection indicates a stiffer, more deform-resistant beam (Selvan, 2020).…”

Electro-Assisted 3D Printing Multi-Layer PVDF/CaCl2 Composite Films and Sensors

“…In this regard, Sobhan added 0.8 wt.% BaTiO 3 nanoparticles to the PVDF polymer, and it was observed that the content of the β-phase increased, thereby improving the output voltage response of the sensor [6]. In 2020, Ramadoss further discovered that when 12 wt.% BaTiO 3 was doped, the electrospun PVDF/BaTiO 3 composite material had a maximum β-phase ratio of 75% [7].…”

Investigation of the optimum vibration energy harvesting performance of electrospun PVDF/BaTiO3 nanogenerator

“…Polymers with BaTiO 3 nanocomposite have been studied to improve the piezoelectric performance due to their high piezoelectric properties and lead-free structure. [51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60] 0.02 μW piezoelectric power output was reported using a cantilever beam type energy harvester made of PVDF/BaTiO 3 (1 Hz, 1MV resistance load). 61 The effect of BatiO 3 nanoparticle size (10, 100, 500 nm) on the piezoelectric output voltage was investigated.…”