A computational framework for topology optimisation of flexoelectricity at finite strains considering a multi-field micromorphic approach

This paper presents a novel in-silico framework for the design of flexoelectric energy harvesters at finite strains using topology optimisation. The main ingredients of this work can be summarised as follows: (i) a micromorphic continuum approach is exploited to account for size dependent effects in the context of finite strains, thus permitting the modelling and simulation of flexoelectric effects in highly deformable materials such as dielectric elastomers. A key feature of the multi-field (mixed) formulation pursued is its flexibility as it permits, upon suitable selection of material parameters, to degenerate into other families of high order gradient theories such as flexoelectric gradient elasticity. (ii) A novel energy interpolation scheme is put forward, whereby different interpolation strategies are proposed for the various contributions that the free energy density function is decomposed into. This has enabled to circumvent numerical artifacts associated with fictitious high flexoelectric effects observed in the vicinity of low and intermediate density regions, where extremely high strain gradients tend to develop. (iii) A weighted combination of efficiency-based measures and aggregation functions of the stress is proposed to remedy the shortcomings of state-of-the-art efficiency-based functionals, which promotes the development of hinges with unpractical highly localised large strain gradients. Finally, a series of numerical examples are analysed, studying the development of direct flexoelectricity induced by bending, compression and torsional deformations. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

This paper presents a novel theoretical framework for designing flexoelectric energy harvesters under finite strain conditions. The framework combines a micromorphic continuum approach, a novel energy interpolation scheme, and an improved efficiency measure to accurately model and optimize the flexoelectric effects in highly deformable materials. The proposed framework overcomes the limitations of existing methods and offers new insights into the development of efficient and practical energy harvesters.