Multiple solutions and corresponding power output of a nonlinear bistable piezoelectric energy harvester

We examine multiple responses of a vibrational energy harvester composed of a vertical beam and a tip mass. The beam is excited horizontally by a harmonic inertial force while mechanical vibrational energy is converted to electrical power through a piezoelectric patch. The mechanical resonator can be described by single or double well potentials depending on the gravity force from the tip mass. By changing the tip mass we examine the appearance of various solutions and their basins of attraction. Identification of particular solutions of the energy harvester is important as each solution may provide a different level of power output.