A Multi-objective Nonlinear Piezoaeroelastic Wing Solution for Energy Harvesting and Load Alleviation: Modeling and Simulation

The model of a geometrically nonlinear wing hosting piezoelectric patches with the dual purpose of suppressing aeroelastic vibration and harvesting vibrational energy is presented in this paper. The nonlinearities are introduced in order to consistently reproduce the behavior of the flexible structure, since moderate to large displacements can occur in response of external loading conditions. A nonlinear shear underfomable 3-D Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is used to model the displacements field and structural nonlinearities up to the third order are retained in the model of a straight untapered composite wing. A linear indicial functional representation of the unsteady aerodynamic loads in an incompressible flowfield is adopted. The extended Hamilton principle is used to derive the aeroelastic equations of motion. The composite cantilever wing includes two piezoelectric elements, perfectly bonded on its lower and upper longitudinal surfaces in the proximity of the wing root, and electrically connected by a resistive load, functioning as energy harvesting devices. During the state of deformation the piezoelectric components induce electric charges to be stored for future use as a supplementary power source. The piezoelectric layers also function as damping elements with desired load alleviation properties. The effectiveness of such a solution, both in terms of the amount of energy harvested and load alleviation characteristics, for a well defined wing configuration have been evaluated in this paper. Numerical results and discussions are followed by pertinent conclusions and directions for future work.