In this, researchers from IIT Mandi have numerically studied piezoelectric materials – materials that interconvert mechanical energy and electrical energy.

The results of the work by researchers from IIT Mandi have been published in the journal ‘Engineering Reports.’

Speaking on the work, one of the researchers from IIT Mandi Dr. Rajeev Kumar said piezoelectric materials can generate electrical energy when a force is applied on them, and are thus extremely useful.

Researchers from IIT Mandi propose great technique

Such materials can be used in floor tiles to generate electrical energy from human walking, or on roads, where the weight from the vehicles can power road lights and signals, said Dr. Rajeev Kumar, who is one of the researchers from IIT Mandi.

However, currently, the electrical energy produced by these materials is very low, which limits their applications in real life situations.

‘We have developed a technique known as ‘graded poling’ to enhance the power output of piezoelectric materials by more than 100 times,’ says Dr. Rahul Vaish who is also one of the researchers from IIT Mandi.

Researchers from IIT Mandi have used numerical techniques to utilize multiple mechanical stresses – bending, compressive and tensile stresses at the top and bottom of the piezoelectric cantilever beams and shear stresses in the mid-section – in order to significantly improve the electrical output.

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The experimental implementation of graded poling is challenging at present is challenging at present, say researchers from IIT Mandi.

However, the results of this study by researchers from IIT Mandi and the enormous improvements possible through the graded poling technique offers incentive for researchers to develop actual piezoelectric designs that implement the graded poling technique so that the applications can be realised.

The promise of generation of higher amounts of electrical energy from mechanical movement can potentially enable applications in which smart devices can be powered simply by human motion, say researchers from IIT Mandi.

Other applications could include generating power from the soles of footwear equipped with these materials.

Piezoelectric materials can do the reverse as well – generate mechanical motion in response to electrical energy.

Thus improving the mechanical-electrical energy interconversion efficiency can enable engineering applications such as reduction of vibration and noise and advanced technological applications such as positioning and steering of satellite antennas in space.

The researchers from IIT Mandi are extending their work further for more accurate prediction of the effects of the proposed poling technique on the mechanical properties of the material.

This will offer better insights into harnessing the advantages of this technique in real life applications.

About IIT Mandi

Since the first batch of 97 students joined in July 2009, IIT Mandi has grown to currently host 125 faculty and 1,655 students who are enrolled in various programmes of studies in undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes, and 1,141 alumni.

IIT Mandi is a fully residential campus with 1.4 lakh sq. m. buildings completed. It has a guest house with 88 rooms, an 750-seater Auditorium, campus school, sports complex and hospital.

IIT Mandi has four Academic Schools and three major research centers. The Schools are: School of Computing and Electrical Engineering, School of Basic Sciences, School of Engineering, and School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

In 2017, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, selected IIT Mandi to lead the prestigious Rs. 10 crore FarmerZone® Project.

Interested candidates can apply for Advanced E-SDP for New Venture Creation or the six-day programme Advanced MDP for Business Scale-Up for MSMEs. Both the programmes are free of cost for students and funded by ESDP, and MSME.

The Advanced E-SDP for New Venture Creation will run from February 3 to 7, 2025, while the Advanced MDP for Business Scale-Up for MSMEs will run from February 3 to 8, 2025.

The participants will be chosen following the ESDP guidelines. Their applications will be considered, and then they will be shortlisted. Selected participants may be called for further interaction. Results will be declared, and the admitted participants will receive admission confirmation.

The Advanced MDP for Business Scale-Up for MSMEs is a six-day programme designed to help MSME owners and managers overcome the challenges of business growth. The program will equip participants with strategies to expand their operations, build scalable business models, and achieve sustainable growth, according to the official IIM Raipur statement.

According to the official statement of IIM Raipur, participants who are 18 years and above with a graduation degree can apply. The institute invites participants from all over the country with a focus on Chhattisgarh. Graduates from SC, ST, OBC, women, and PH categories are encouraged to apply.

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