Experimental verification of energy harvesting performance in plate-like structures with embedded acoustic black holes

We present an overview of the experimental performance of a piezoelectric-based energy harvesting system in plate-like structures with embedded Acoustic Black Holes (ABH). The ABH is an integral feature that can be embedded in the host structure to create areas having large accumulated energy density under broadband excitation conditions. Steady state and transient vibration experiments are conducted on a plate-like structure having three embedded ABH elements. Measurements on a flat (non-tapered) plate are also provided for the direct assessment of the performance of the ABH tapered system. Experimental data are collected using a scanning laser vibro meter which provides full field visualization of the effects of the ABH on the vibration pattern. As expected, the propagating wave is progressively slowed down as it travels through the ABH and its wavelength is compressed, therefore producing a broadband energy accumulation mechanism. Results show that the tailored structural design allows a drastic increase in the harvested energy for both the steady state and the transient excitation.