Numerical analysis of energy harvesting characteristics in axially functionally graded beam structures with different geometric profiles for automotive application

Alok Ranjan Biswal; Rasmi Ranjan Senapati; Abinash Bibek Dash; Satyakam Acharya; Deepak Dipu

doi:10.15282/ijame.23.3.2026.3.1039

Authors

Alok Ranjan Biswal Faculty of Department of Mechanical Engineering, DRIEMS University, Cuttack, Odisha, 754022, India
Rasmi Ranjan Senapati Department of Mechanical Engineering, DRIEMS University, Cuttack, Odisha, 754022, India
Abinash Bibek Dash Department of Mechanical Engineering, DRIEMS University, Cuttack, Odisha,754022, India
Satyakam Acharya Department of Mechanical Engineering, DRIEMS University, Cuttack, Odisha, 754022, India
Deepak Dipu Faculty of Department of Mechanical Engineering, DRIEMS University, Cuttack, Odisha, 754022, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3223-4587

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15282/ijame.23.3.2026.3.1039

Keywords:

Energy harvesting, Geometric profiles, Axially functionally graded beam, Modal analysis

Abstract

The present study presents a wide-ranging numerical investigation of the energy-harvesting characteristics of an axially functionally graded beam structure containing different geometric profiles. Axially functionally graded materials (FGMs) offer exceptional advantages in energy harvesting applications because their varying material properties in the length direction can be optimised for energy conversion. The present study uses the finite element method (FEM) not only to compare different beam configurations but also to analyse them under dynamic loading conditions. Three different geometric profiles, namely uniform, linear, and parabolic variations along the length direction, are used in this analysis. Each profile consists of a piezo-electric layer near the fixed end of the functionally graded beam, enabling it to serve as an energy harvesting system. The material properties of the beam follow a distribution function that defines the grading profile. To find key performance parameters such as power generation, voltage output and natural frequencies under various excitation conditions, the MATLAB platform is used. Both geometric taper ratios, namely width taper and height taper, are used for the analysis, and their influence on overall performance is studied. The results obtained through the numerical analysis provide valuable insight for the proper design of an energy-harvesting device that can be used in autonomous micro-electromechanical systems, structural health monitoring and wireless sensor networks. The parabolic profile beam exhibits an approximately 115% higher voltage response compared to the uniform beam, indicating significantly enhanced electromechanical performance.

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