Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 217-234 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids |
| Volume | 105 |
| Publication status | Published - 17 May 2017 |
Abstract
We present a mixed finite element formulation for flexoelectric nanostructures that is coupled with topology optimization to maximize their intrinsic material performance with regards to their energy conversion potential. Using Barium Titanate (BTO) as the model flexoelectric material, we demonstrate the significant enhancement in energy conversion that can be obtained using topology optimization. We also demonstrate that non-smooth surfaces can play a key role in the energy conversion enhancements obtained through topology optimization. Finally, we examine the relative benefits of flexoelectricity, and surface piezoelectricity on the energy conversion efficiency of nanobeams. We find that the energy conversion efficiency of flexoelectric nanobeams is comparable to the energy conversion efficiency obtained from nanobeams whose electromechanical coupling occurs through surface piezoelectricity, but are ten times thinner. Overall, our results not only demonstrate the utility and efficiency of flexoelectricity as a nanoscale energy conversion mechanism, but also its relative superiority as compared to piezoelectric or surface piezoelectric effects.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Engineering(all)
- Mechanics of Materials
- Engineering(all)
- Mechanical Engineering
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In: Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, Vol. 105, 17.05.2017, p. 217-234.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Topology optimization of flexoelectric structures
AU - Nanthakumar, Srivilliputtur Subbiah
AU - Zhuang, Xiaoying
AU - Park, Harold S.
AU - Rabczuk, Timon
N1 - Funding information: Authors Xiaoying Zhuang and S.S.Nanthakumar thankfully acknowledge the funding from Sofja Kovalevskaja Award (X. Zhuang in 2015), State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment (GZ1607). Author Timon Rabczuk acknowledge the financial support by European Research Council for COMBAT project (Grant number 615132). Harold Park acknowledges the support of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Boston University.
PY - 2017/5/17
Y1 - 2017/5/17
N2 - We present a mixed finite element formulation for flexoelectric nanostructures that is coupled with topology optimization to maximize their intrinsic material performance with regards to their energy conversion potential. Using Barium Titanate (BTO) as the model flexoelectric material, we demonstrate the significant enhancement in energy conversion that can be obtained using topology optimization. We also demonstrate that non-smooth surfaces can play a key role in the energy conversion enhancements obtained through topology optimization. Finally, we examine the relative benefits of flexoelectricity, and surface piezoelectricity on the energy conversion efficiency of nanobeams. We find that the energy conversion efficiency of flexoelectric nanobeams is comparable to the energy conversion efficiency obtained from nanobeams whose electromechanical coupling occurs through surface piezoelectricity, but are ten times thinner. Overall, our results not only demonstrate the utility and efficiency of flexoelectricity as a nanoscale energy conversion mechanism, but also its relative superiority as compared to piezoelectric or surface piezoelectric effects.
AB - We present a mixed finite element formulation for flexoelectric nanostructures that is coupled with topology optimization to maximize their intrinsic material performance with regards to their energy conversion potential. Using Barium Titanate (BTO) as the model flexoelectric material, we demonstrate the significant enhancement in energy conversion that can be obtained using topology optimization. We also demonstrate that non-smooth surfaces can play a key role in the energy conversion enhancements obtained through topology optimization. Finally, we examine the relative benefits of flexoelectricity, and surface piezoelectricity on the energy conversion efficiency of nanobeams. We find that the energy conversion efficiency of flexoelectric nanobeams is comparable to the energy conversion efficiency obtained from nanobeams whose electromechanical coupling occurs through surface piezoelectricity, but are ten times thinner. Overall, our results not only demonstrate the utility and efficiency of flexoelectricity as a nanoscale energy conversion mechanism, but also its relative superiority as compared to piezoelectric or surface piezoelectric effects.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85019639891&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jmps.2017.05.010
DO - 10.1016/j.jmps.2017.05.010
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85019639891
VL - 105
SP - 217
EP - 234
JO - Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids
JF - Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids
SN - 0022-5096
ER -