CANALETTO-2018

Title "Energy harvesting from multistable shells vibrations: theoretical modeling and experimental validation"

Coordinator-Principal Investigator: Prof. Jerzy Warminski
Co-Investigators: Dr. Andrzej Mitura
Department of Applied Mechanics, Lublin University of Technology, Poland

Italian Partner
Principal Investigator: Prof. Francesco Romeo, 
Co-Investigators: Dr. Matteo Brunetti 
Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Duration: 01.01.2019-30.12.2021
Polish Budget: 19 800 PLN

Keywords:  chaotic vibrations, bifurcations, active elements, energy harvesting 

Project summary:The project aims to unveil the essential features of the nonlinear dynamic response of multistable shells so that to exploit it in the design of Energy Harvesting (EH) systems. Specifically, it aims to achieve both theoretical and technological outcomes which will allow designing effective system for EH, so called harvesters. The research methodology is based on derivation of dynamics of a nonlinear shell model exhibiting mutlistability. Starting from partial differential equations the reduced analytical model based on ordinary differential equations (ODEs) will be proposed. ODEs will enable more efficient analysis of dynamics around selected resonance zones. The proposed shell structure will be analysed by Finite Element Method in order to compare an accuracy of the analytical approach. The FE and analytical models will be finally validated in laboratory for a selected multistable shell. At first modal analysis will be performed and then experimental investigation of vibrations and detection of the snap-through effect between steady states. The obtained results will allow selection of optimal parameters of the structure and designing the harvester with maximal energy harvested. The project has an important scientific meaning in terms of understanding of dynamics of multistable structures. The elaborated results will give advices for harvesters technology applied in space structures in which energy supply is limited.