Generalized topology for resonators having N commensurate harmonics

Abstract Despite the ubiquity of both linear and nonlinear multimember resonators in MEMS and kinetic energy harvesting devices very few research efforts examine the orientation of members in the resonator on its dynamic behavior. Previous efforts to design this type of resonator constrains the members to have relative orientations that are 0 ○ or 90○ to each other, i.e., the elements are connected inline with adjoining members or are perpendicular to adjoining members. The work expands upon the existing body of research by considering the effect of the relative orientation between members on the dynamic behavior of the system. In this manuscript, we derive a generalized reduced-order model for the design of a multi-member planar resonator that has integer multiple modal frequencies. The model is based on a Rayleigh Ritz approximation where the number of degrees of freedom equals the number of structural members in the resonator. The analysis allows the generation of design curves, representing all the possible solutions for modal frequencies that are commensurate. The generalized model, valid for an N -DOF structure, is then restricted for a 2- and 3-DOF system/member resonator, where the linear dynamic behavior of the resonator is investigated in depth. Furthermore, this analysis demonstrates a rule of thumb; relaxing restrictions on the relative orientation of members in a planar structure, allows the structure to exhibit exactly N commensurable frequencies if it contains N members.