Nonlinear finite element analysis of a thin piezoelectric laminate for micro power generation

In this paper, a new nonlinear finite element model is presented for the analysis of piezoelectric laminates at large deflections. The element is an eight-node element with 5 mechanical degrees of freedom at each node, and the potential difference across the piezoelectric layer is introduced as an additional electrical degree of freedom on an element level. Application of this model to a clamped square piezoelectric laminate shows the strong nonlinear relationship between the terminal voltage and deflection observed experimentally. Furthermore, the numerical results also show that the electrode size is an important design parameter in maximizing the power output when the piezoelectric laminates are used as power generators.