Numerical Methods for Partial differential Equation & Flexo-electricity

Flexoelectricity refers to the linear coupling between a strain gradient and an electric field (direct flexoelectricity) or between an electric field gradient and strain (converse flexoelectricity). This phenomenon occurs in all dielectric materials, including crystals, polymers, biomaterials, and liquid crystals. We focus on the development of electroactive materials based on the flexoelectric effect. This proposes a promising alternative to traditional lead-based piezoelectric materials which are not environmental friendly. The numerical simulation of flexoelectricity poses many challenges due to the high-order nature of the governing equations, and we focus on advanced numerical method such as immersed formulations with a Cartesian B-spline grid. We also focus on the development of analytical models for flexoelectric beams and films.