Dynamic failure mechanisms of lithium-ion batteries under blast loadings

Blast effects arising from the thermal runaway of battery packs or from external intense dynamic loading pose serious threats to the safety of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the dynamic response of LIBs under the extreme mechanical abuse is still poorly investigated. In this study, the coupled mechanical–electrical–thermal response of LIBs under blast loading is investigated through integrated experiments and numerical simulations. The multifield and multistage evolution of LIBs under blast loading is systematically analyzed, including mechanical deformation and damages, voltage fluctuation, temperature rise, gas production and thermal runaway (TR). It's found that the localized damage of fracture crater/kink and subsequent fracture accumulation play a dominant role in triggering internal short circuits (ISCs) and ultimately thermal runaway. Furthermore, the temporal correlation between deformation evolution, voltage response, and thermal runaway progression are illustrated. These finds and methods may benefit for the safety protection of battery systems under extreme dynamic loading.