Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-10-2007
Publication Title
Journal of Power Sources
Abstract
The mechanical response of proton exchange membranes in a fuel cell assembly is investigated under humidity cycles at a constant temperature (85°C). The behavior of the membrane under hydration–dehydration cycles is simulated by imposing a humidity gradient from the cathode to the anode. Linear elastic, plastic constitutive behavior with isotropic hardening and temperature and humidity dependent material properties are utilized in the simulations for the membrane. The evolution of the stresses and plastic deformation during the humidity cycles are determined using finite element analysis for two clamping methods and various levels of swelling anisotropy. The membrane response strongly depends on the swelling anisotropy where the stress amplitude decreases with increasing anisotropy. These results suggest that it may be possible to optimize a membrane with respect to swelling anisotropy to achieve better fatigue resistance, potentially enhancing the durability of fuel cell membranes.
Recommended Citation
Kusoglu, A., Karlsson, A. M., Santare, M. H., 2007, "Mechanical Behavior of Fuel Cell Membranes Under Humidity Cycles and Effect of Swelling Anisotropy on the Fatigue Stresses," Journal of Power Sources, 170(2), pp. 345-358.
DOI
10.1016/j.jpowsour.2007.03.063
Version
Postprint
Publisher's Statement
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Journal of Power Sources. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Journal of Power Sources, 170, 2, (07-10-2007); 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2007.03.063
Volume
170
Issue
2
Comments
This research has been supported by W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. and the State of Delaware Development Office (DEDO).