TY - JOUR
T1 - Non-uniform stress distribution characteristics and structure-related modeling approach of proton exchange membrane under durability protocol conditions
AU - Song, Pilin
AU - Cai, Liang
AU - Li, Wei
AU - Cao, Xiaobo
AU - Jin, Yuzhe
AU - Elbugdady, Ibrahim
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - The non-uniform stress distribution and localized incompatible deformation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) in fuel cells, driven by variable temperature and humidity conditions, are significant factors contributing to its mechanical degradation and reduced durability. Current understanding is limited by ex-situ, small-scale experiments under isolated operating conditions, which fail to fully represent the stress distribution and damage characteristics experienced during fuel cell operation. In this study, the stress distributions in PEM under various durability testing protocol conditions are explored using a combination of computational fluid dynamics and a viscoelastic-plastic constitutive model of materials. The results reveal that operating conditions significantly affect the stress distribution within the PEM, with the “water flooding” phenomenon caused by hydration reaction and electroosmotic drag, especially prevalent under high humidity and current density conditions, which may significantly alter the spatial characteristics of stress distribution. Moreover, the stress distribution throughout the entire reaction zone of the PEM is non-uniform, with higher stress amplitudes observed in the middle of the channel. Specific regions, such as the inlet and outlet of the flow channel and the cathode side of the PEM, are especially prone to localized stress concentrations, increasing the risk of mechanical degradation. These findings provide deeper insight into the mechanical durability of PEM in fuel cell structures.
AB - The non-uniform stress distribution and localized incompatible deformation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) in fuel cells, driven by variable temperature and humidity conditions, are significant factors contributing to its mechanical degradation and reduced durability. Current understanding is limited by ex-situ, small-scale experiments under isolated operating conditions, which fail to fully represent the stress distribution and damage characteristics experienced during fuel cell operation. In this study, the stress distributions in PEM under various durability testing protocol conditions are explored using a combination of computational fluid dynamics and a viscoelastic-plastic constitutive model of materials. The results reveal that operating conditions significantly affect the stress distribution within the PEM, with the “water flooding” phenomenon caused by hydration reaction and electroosmotic drag, especially prevalent under high humidity and current density conditions, which may significantly alter the spatial characteristics of stress distribution. Moreover, the stress distribution throughout the entire reaction zone of the PEM is non-uniform, with higher stress amplitudes observed in the middle of the channel. Specific regions, such as the inlet and outlet of the flow channel and the cathode side of the PEM, are especially prone to localized stress concentrations, increasing the risk of mechanical degradation. These findings provide deeper insight into the mechanical durability of PEM in fuel cell structures.
KW - Durability testing protocol
KW - mechanical degradation
KW - PEMFC
KW - stress distribution
KW - viscoelastic-plastic constitutive model
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85214249963&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/15435075.2024.2448296
DO - 10.1080/15435075.2024.2448296
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85214249963
SN - 1543-5075
JO - International Journal of Green Energy
JF - International Journal of Green Energy
ER -