Finite element modeling of the sensing and energy harvesting performance in ionic polymer metal composites

Barbar Akle; Wassim Habchi

doi:10.1117/12.2012406

9 April 2013 Finite element modeling of the sensing and energy harvesting performance in ionic polymer metal composites

Barbar Akle, Wassim Habchi

Proceedings Volume 8687, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2013; 86870G (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2012406
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) is an Electro-Active Polymer (EAP) that is used as an electro-mechanical sensor and being investigated as an energy harvester. The IPMC transducer is proved to be inefficient as an energy harvester due to the small amount of voltage it generates when deformed. This study explores this problem by developing a fully-coupled 2D mechano-chemo-electrical finite element model that predicts the sensing behaviour in IPMC. The electrochemical element is modelled based on the Nernst-Planck and Poisson’s equations. The chemo-mechanical coupling is due to the change in the concentration of ions upon deforming the sensor. This paper is focused on developing methods to control the amount of voltage and current the IPMC sensor can generate. The developed FEM model is used to assess the effects of increasing the thickness of the transducer and of manipulating the architecture of the high surface area electrodes. The IPMC transducer is simulated and experimentally tested using two electrical boundary conditions: the open circuit voltage or the short circuit current. All numerical results are supported by experimental data. The results are shown to be in good agreement with model predictions.

Citation Download Citation

Barbar Akle and Wassim Habchi "Finite element modeling of the sensing and energy harvesting performance in ionic polymer metal composites", Proc. SPIE 8687, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2013, 86870G (9 April 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2012406

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