A Computational Analysis of the Energy Harvested by Gfrp and Nfrp Laminated Beams Under Cyclic Loading

This paper investigates the possibility of energy harvesting using Fiber Reinforced Plastic beams under cyclic loading. The behaviour of E-glass fiber/epoxy and Hemp fiber/epoxy laminated beams reinforced with piezoelectric fibers is examined by evaluating their bending strain and deflection. An optimum stacking sequence for all types of reinforcement: E-glass fibers, hemp fibers, and piezoelectric fibers, is suggested such that energy harvesting potential is maximized while failure and damage accumulation remain at low levels.