A FINITE ELEMENT STUDY OF DIFFUSION-INDUCED MECHANICS IN LI-ION BATTERY ELECTRODE MATERIALS
In this paper, a Finite Element (FE) framework for studying diffusion induced mechanics of Li-ion battery electrode materials is presented. In a previous study [Vanimisetti and Ramakrishnan (2011), Proc. IMechE, Part C: J. Mech. Eng. Sci. 0954406211432668], a set of analytical expressions for the stress distribution in ideal geometries, such as slab and cylindrical shaped particles, were derived using thermal stress analogy while solutions for spherical particles already exist. However, the limitations of the analytical study in handling complex geometries, the material behavior and the functional parameters necessitated the development of an FE model based approach. A multi-physics model was developed in COMSOL® package linking diffusion phenomenon to stress development. The model was verified comparing the results with those of the earlier analytical studies. As an illustration, we use the model to make inferences with regard to the effect of electrode particle shape. Along similar lines, the diffusion-induced mechanics in silicon rod structures grown on copper current collector is also demonstrated.