Piezoelectric materials are well known for their use as sensors and actuators in flexible structures. Researchers have also focused on harvesting energy from the waste vibrations generated by different sources using piezoelectric materials. In its running condition, an engine generates vibrations. These vibrations can be converted into electric energy by using a suitable energy harvester. The minute energy generated from these waste vibrations can be used as an additional source to batteries or a resource to run sensors and actuators in automotive vehicles. This paper focuses on harvesting energy from engine vibrations using a piezoelectric cantilever beam. The power from these vibrations has been enhanced even at low vibrations. A mathematical equation for the estimation of voltage and power using a piezoelectric cantilever beam has been derived. The effect of excitation frequency, amplitude, and material properties on power output has been considered. Based on the simulation results, a piezoelectric cantilever beam is designed and fabricated, and experiments are conducted. Analytical results are validated with the experimental results, and a close match has been observed between the experimental and analytical results.

To increase safety and enhance the armor plate's ballistic performance, an advanced hybrid ceramic composite plate design is being investigated. The ballistic limits and safety levels were significantly improved by the hybridization of ceramic materials. In this present study, three different types of ceramic plates were modeled using the finite element (FE) software with a subroutine to define user material model (VUMAT) code and determine the ballistic behavior of the body armors for défense industries. The significant improvement of the ballistic limit velocities of the B8K8 panel and SB2K2 panel are investigated that the 416 m/s and 606 m/s, respectively.

In this study a 3-D finite element analysis for cantilever plate structure excited by giving unit deflection at free end is presented. Finite Element Modeling based on ANSYS12.0 package using modal analysis and harmonic analysis is used in this study for cantilever plate structure by patch type of piezoelectric plates of PZT-5H4E as a piezo material and steel as a substrate material for Cantilever Beam. This study aims to investigate the influence of different geometry parameters like, length and width & position of piezo patches on voltage generation & try to find out optimal geometrical dimensions of piezoelectric beam for maximum energy harvesting. ANSYS-12.0 is used as optimization tool. Here the basic modeling with an equivalent circuit is done initially by considering some specific dimensions of beam. Then simulation of the same is done by varying different geometrical parameters where effect of change in length of piezo patch is analyzed first .The second affecting parameter considered is change in Width of piezo patch and last one is the position of piezo patch along the length of beam is analyzed, where output is measured in turn of voltage generated. This study aims to investigate the Optimum placement of piezoelectric actuators in a cantilever beam for maximum energy harvesting.

In recent years, micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based biomedical devices have been investigated by various researchers for biomedicine, disease diagnosis, and liquid drug delivery. The micropump based devices are of considerable significance for accurate drug delivery and disease diagnosis. In the present study, design aspects of the piezoelectric actuated micropump used for extraction of blood sample are presented. A pentagonal microneedle, which is an integral part of the micropump, was used to extract the blood volume. The blood was then delivered to the biosensor, located in the pump chamber, for diagnosis. The purpose of such low-powered devices is to get sufficient blood volume for the diagnostic purpose at the biosensor located within the pump chamber, with a minimum time of actuation, which will eventually cause less pain. ANSYS^® simulations were performed on four quarter piezoelectric bimorph actuator (FQPB) at 2.5 volts. The modal and harmonic analysis were carried out with various load conditions for FQPB. The extended microneedle lengths inside the pump chamber showed improved flow characteristics. Enhanced volume flow rate of 1.256 µL/s was obtained at 22,000 Hz applied frequency at the biosensor location.