Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-15-2013

Publication Title

Journal of Power Sources

Abstract

The mechanical response of a composite fuel cell membrane, made from layers of reinforced and unreinforced PFSA material, is investigated via both experimental and numerical means. First, the time-dependent mechanical properties for the reinforced layers are measured for a range of environmental and loading conditions. A three-network, viscoelastic-plastic constitutive model is developed to characterize the mechanical response of this reinforced membrane material. This constitutive model is then used in finite element simulations of a fuel cell unit (consisting of composite membrane, electrodes, gas diffusion layer and bipolar plates) where the effect of relative humidity (RH) cycling on the stress response of the composite membrane is investigated. Using numerical simulations, various layering configurations for the composite membrane and different load cases are studied. The investigation provides insight into the stress response of the membrane and suggests possible configurations that may improve the effective membrane life.

Comments

This research has been supported by DOE grant DE-FC36-

086018052 through a subcontract from W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc

DOI

10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.11.116

Version

Postprint

Volume

228

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