Energy transfer between multiple vibrating bimorphs through flow interactions in an otherwise quiescent fluid domain

摘要

Energy transfer inside the fluid domain and altering the natural flow state or development path into a more desirable state or path, are extensive and ever-expanding areas of research and application. In this research, we investigate the energy transfer by coupling multiple vibrating structures through flow interactions in an otherwise quiescent fluid. Arrays of closely-spaced, clamped piezoelectric macro-fiber composite bimorphs (which are actuators or sensors) are attached perpendicular to the bottom surface of a tank. The coupling of the vibrating bimorphs due to their interaction with the surrounding fluid is investigated. We study the modal coupling to explore the energy exchange and the induced flow pattern through controlling the parameters such as size, pattern, the density of the attached bimorphs, and the magnitude and frequency of the actuation voltage. An analytical study, supported by experiments, is performed to assess the velocity and output voltage response of the bimorphs to see their effects on the interconnection between the induced fluid-particle dynamics and the geometric and electroelastic properties of the sensor bimorphs. Characterization of the electrohydroelastic dynamics of the active and interacting bimorphs and the induced fluid motion is done by focusing on the vibration of the actuator, vibration and electrical responses of the piezoelectric bimorphs, and the inertia and drag terms.