Modeling and simulation of magnetostriction in a twin lateral transducers energy harvester

Magnetostrictive transducers are used in a broad variety of applications that include fast response valve actuator, linear pumps, rotary motors, acoustic underwater devices and energy harvesting devices. Optimization of their performance is based on accurate modeling of the static and dynamic behavior of magnetostriction. This paper describes the modelling and the finite element analysis of magnetostriction for a magnetoestrictive and piezoelectric vibration energy harvester employing twin lateral Terfeonl-DPZT laminate composite. The presented design can make the best use of the magnetic field produced by the magnets. In addition, the volume of the harvester does not increase with the placement of the twin transducers since they are placed in the air gap between the magnets. A three dimensional model is built to investigate the response of the laminate composite and to determine the optimal initial position of the transducers at the static equilibrium.