Development of Magnetostrictive Energy Harvesting of Mechanical Vibration Energy

Applied Physical Sciences and the University of Maryland propose to develop a magnetostrictive transducer that harvests electrical energy from shipboard machinery while simultaneously suppressing vibration to improve the ship’s stealth characteristics and thereby improving the performance of hull mounted sonar systems. Analysis performed during the Base Effort will provide an initial design specification for the transducer and associated energy harvesting circuit wherein the overall size, transduction mode, power level, and efficiency are specified in terms of the machine’s fundamental forcing frequency, power rating, and weight. A proof-of-concept experiment performed during the Option is expected to provide initial validation of the overall concept and lay a foundation for further development and experimentation during Phase II.