Abstract:
Every machine vibrates and emits noise. This is unused energy that, with an appropriate
mechanism, can be returned to the system. Utilizing an array of piezoelectric micro
electromechanical systems micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) devices to harvest
this otherwise wasted energy; it is possible to improve the efficiency of any number of
mechanical devices. Piezoelectricity is the mechanism by which certain crystalline
structures generate electric potential when under strain, or, conversely, deform when
subjected to an electric potential. It is this first effect that is important to this application.
Though each micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) device will generate a very small
amount of power, a 1 m
2
area can contain an array of millions of these devices.
Energy harvesting, conservation, and efficiency are the universal application of these
devices makes them ideal for any expeditionary platform, such as ships, aircraft, and
automobiles. This project work designs and tests the first generations of acoustic and
vibrational piezoelectric micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) devices; including
time-dependent finite element models, microfabrication processes, and the initial attempts
at characterization and optimization.
