Performance analysis of electrical signal output of multi-state flexoelectric structures with parameter uncertainties through quasi-Monte Carlo method

Abstract

Flexoelectric effect is a more universal electromechanical coupling effect than piezoelectric effect. Flexoelectric beams as the main structural component of flexoelectric power signal output have broad application prospects in the next generation of micro–nano electromechanical systems. However, the electrical signal output of flexoelectric structures in macro-scale is far less than the output of the piezoelectric signal. Therefore, it is urgent to explore the influence of the parameter uncertainties on the electrical signal output of the flexoelectric structures, in order to improve the electrical signal output of flexoelectric materials with excellent design performance. Based on the quasi-static theory, the output voltage model and the output charge model of flexoelectric structures as well as the effective piezoelectric coefficient model are constructed. Then the influences of the flexoelectric parameters on the output voltage and the output charge are researched as well as the influence of the effective piezoelectric coefficient. Finally, the influences of uncertain parameters under different electrical states (e.g. the electrical open circuit and short circuit states) on the output performance of flexoelectric signal are studied by the quasi-Monte Carlo method, in order to further provide a reference for the reliability analysis and optimization design of the flexoelectric structures.