Exploring mechanical failure of porous electrode meso structure using the discrete element method

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric power vehicles and other modern applications. Electrode structure stability and mechanical integrity are major concerns for lithium-ion safety and performance. To understand the meso-mechanism of electrode components triggered by electrode tensile failure, a 2-D discrete element method (DEM) with an additional bond model is proposed, representing a proper contact and bond model to capture the uniaxial tensile mechanics. Simulations can provide detailed meso information on the changes in the electrode structure and the mechanical performance of the binder. The numerical results were analysed and show to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The model improves the understanding of the failure behaviour of electrodes at the meso scale and constitutes a valuable physical and mechanical basis for the future development of safety design tools for lithium-ion batteries.