Modelling and Analysis of Elliptical Cantilever Device Using Flexure Method and Fabrication of Electrospun PVDF/BaTiO3 Nanocomposites

Cantilever-based piezoelectric has been the most preferred technique for energy harvesting and sensing application due to its simple design. The energy conversion efficiency has been continuously improved by exploring alternative cantilever geometries by increasing the stress distribution on the beam surface. In this paper, we have introduced half elliptical and full elliptical profile modification in the cantilever structure to improve and uniformly distribute the stress at the beam surface. Stress distribution characteristics of the modified cantilever beams were investigated and compared using finite element analysis. Based on the theoretical and finite element analysis, cantilever beams were fabricated using 3D print technology. Fabricated cantilever beams were then used to investigate the piezoelectric performances of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in composite of barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles in the form of electrospun composite nanofibers. FTIR analysis shows successful conversion of alpha phase to beta phase of PVDF and PVDF/BaTiO3 nanocomposites. During 6 Hz cyclic actuating experiment, maximum voltage output of 0.15 V and 1.5 nA current output were observed. The concept was proposed to replace MEMS-based sensor in hand tremor quantification to assist Parkinson disease management.