Exploring mechanical failure of porous electrode meso structure using the discrete element method. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Zenghui; Yang, Le; Zhu, Shengxin; Song, Wei-Li; Chen, Hao-Sen
• Is Part Of: Extreme mechanics letters. Volume 46(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Lithium-ion batteries -- Mechanical load -- Binder -- Discrete element method (DEM) -- Bond model -- Bond breakage; Mechanics -- Periodicals; Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Mechanics; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 531.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eml.2021.101252
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-4316

Abstract

Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric power vehicles and other modern applications. Electrode structure stability and mechanical integrity are major concerns for lithium-ion safety and performance. To understand the meso-mechanism of electrode components triggered by electrode tensile failure, a 2-D discrete element method (DEM) with an additional bond model is proposed, representing a proper contact and bond model to capture the uniaxial tensile mechanics. Simulations can provide detailed meso information on the changes in the electrode structure and the mechanical performance of the binder. The numerical results were analysed and show to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The model improves the understanding of the failure behaviour of electrodes at the meso scale and constitutes a valuable physical and mechanical basis for the future development of safety design tools for lithium-ion batteries. Highlights: Proposed A discrete element method with an additive bond model to characterise cathode behaviour. An elasto-plastic constitutive relation of bond is developed for the cathode behaviour. The simulation results are validated by the experimental data. The binder contents and sizes distribution effect are discussed. The proposed method could be applied for optimisation design of electrode.