Comment on “Topology optimization of energy harvesting devices using piezoelectric materials”

In a recent paper, Zheng et al. (Struct Multidisc Optim 38:17–23, 2009) presented a topology optimization formulation for the design of energy harvesting devices considering the maximization of a predefined energy conversion factor. Their motivation was based on the observed trend of using piezoelectric effects to build energy harvesting devices or to harvest electrical energy from ambient vibrations. This discussion addresses some unclear points in the mentioned work.

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