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Berger, J. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Berger, J. R..

Consequences of plane-strain and plane-stress assumptions in fully coupled chemo-mechanical Li-ion battery models

In Li-ion battery research, it is common to simulate chemo-mechanical phenomena in reduced dimensions (e.g., 2-D) as opposed to fully resolve these complex physics in 3-D. It is common to assume either (1) the out-of-plane strain is negligible (commonly referred to as plane-strain), or (2) the out-of-plane stress is negligible (commonly referred to as plane-stress). However, there is typically little consideration as to the quantitative consequences of these approximations. Furthermore, the influence of these out-of-plane assumptions can be compounded and convoluted when chemo-mechanics models implement so-called “fully coupled” formulations, where the local species concentrations influence the stress-state and the stress-state influences the local species fluxes. Here, the present manuscript explores the implications of using plane-stress and plane-strain assumptions in 2-D as compared to simulating a full 3-D electrode particle. This comparative study includes simulating both isotropic and anisotropic particle intercalation where the particles can be surrounded by either a liquid or solid electrolyte. Additionally, common Li-ion battery-model metrics such as the state-of-stress, intercalation fraction distribution, and specific capacity are compared, while also considering the effects of particle size and C-rate. As alternatives to the pure plane-strain and plane stress approximations, two modified plane-strain assumptions are found to better approximate the fully coupled chemo-mechanical 3-D behavior.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Modeling Coupled Chemo-Mechanical Behavior of Randomly Oriented NMC811 Polycrystalline Li-Ion Battery Cathodes

This paper develops a three-dimensional, transient, chemo-mechanical model that predicts the performance of single secondary particle Li-ion battery cathodes. The secondary particles are composed of numerous (approximately 60) randomly oriented single-crystal primary particles. The model incorporates concentration-dependent and anisotropic material properties. As much as possible, electrochemical, transport, and structural properties for crystalline NMC811 (Li x Ni 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 ) are taken from prior publications. Weak Van der Waals bonding between primary particles is modeled empirically using a spring analogy, which enables local primary-particle separations (disintegration) and subsequent reattachments. The model fully couples Li diffusion and the mechanical response. Results include predictions of local Li-concentrations and stresses. High stresses are found near grain boundaries, especially when the lattice orientations are greatly misaligned. Particle separations are characterized in terms of a damage parameter. The model is used to predict the effects of design and operating conditions, including charge/discharge rates, cycling scenarios, and particle sizes.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗