Crack Formation in Membrane Electrode Assembly Under Static and Cyclic Loadings

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuke Kai ◽  
Yuki Kitayama ◽  
Masaki Omiya ◽  
Tomoaki Uchiyama ◽  
Manabu Kato
Keyword(s):  
Crack Formation ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Test Chamber ◽  
Tensile Tests ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Ambient Conditions

The mechanical reliability of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is a major concern for fuel cell vehicles. Hygrothermal cyclic conditions induce mechanical stress in MEAs and cracks form under operating conditions. This paper investigates the failure mechanism of MEAs under several mechanical and environmental conditions with the aim of designing durable PEFCs. We performed static tensile tests and low-cycle fatigue tests on MEAs. During the tensile tests, the temperature and humidity of the test chamber were controlled and surface crack formation of MEAs was observed in situ by a video microscope. Low-cycle fatigue tests were performed at ambient conditions and the number of cycles to crack formation was measured. The results reveal that the temperature and the humidity affect the mechanical properties of MEA. Observations of MEAs during tensile tests reveal that cracks form on the surface of catalyst layers immediately after the MEAs yield. These results indicate that reducing the deformation mismatch between the catalyst layer and the proton exchange membrane is important for suppressing crack formation in MEAs. The results of low-cycle fatigue tests reveal that the fatigue strength of a MEA follows the Coffin–Manson law so that fatigue design of MEAs based on the Coffin–Manson law is possible. This result is valuable for designing durable PEFCs.

Crack Formation on Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) Under Static and Cyclic Loadings

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuke Kai ◽  
Yuki Kitayama ◽  
Masaki Omiya ◽  
Tomoaki Uchiyama ◽  
Manabu Kato
Keyword(s):  
Crack Formation ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Tensile Tests ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Critical Design ◽  
Temperature And Humidity

Mechanical reliabilities of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are a major concern to fuel cell vehicles. Hygro-thermal cyclic conditions induce the mechanical stress in MEA and cracks are formed under operating conditions. The purpose of this paper is to understand the failure mechanism of MEA under several mechanical and environmental conditions for the critical design of durable PEFCs. We carried out both static tensile tests and low cycle fatigue tests for MEA. For tensile tests, temperature and humidity in a test chamber were controlled and the surface crack formation of MEA was observed by a video micro scope in situ. Low cycle fatigue tests were carried out in room condition and the number of cycles to crack formation was measured. The results showed that the mechanical properties of MEA were influenced by temperature and humidity. The observations of MEA during tensile tests revealed that cracks were formed on the surface of catalyst layers just after the yielding of MEA. This result indicates that the deformation mismatch between catalyst layer and proton exchange membrane (PEM) is an important parameter to suppress the crack formation in MEA. The results of low cycle fatigue tests revealed that the fatigue strength of MEA followed the Coffin-Manson law and the fatigue design of MEA based on the Coffin-Manson law is possible. This result is valuable for the critical design of durable PEFCs.

In Situ Observation of Deformation Behavior of Membrane Electrode Assembly Under Humidity Cycles

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuke Kai ◽  
Yuki Kitayama ◽  
Masaki Omiya ◽  
Tomoaki Uchiyama ◽  
Hideyuki Kumei
Keyword(s):  
Deformation Behavior ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Crack Formation ◽  
Test Chamber ◽  
Residual Deformation ◽  
Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Membrane Electrode ◽  
In Situ Observation ◽  
Mechanical Reliability

The mechanical reliability of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is a major concern with respect to fuel cell vehicles. When PEFCs generate power, water is generated. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) swells in wet conditions and shrinks in dry conditions. These cyclic conditions induce mechanical stress in the MEA, and cracks are formed. Failure of the MEA can result in leaking of fuel gases and reduced output power. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the mechanical reliability of the MEA under various mechanical and environmental conditions. The purpose of the present paper is to observe the deformation behavior of the MEA under humidity cycles. We have developed a device in which the constrained condition of the GDL is modeled by carbon bars of 100 to 500 μm in diameter. The carbon bars are placed side by side and are pressed against the MEA. The device was placed in a temperature and humidity controlled chamber, and humidity cycles were applied to the specimen. During the tests, cross sections of the specimen were observed by microscope, and the strain was calculated based on the curvature of the specimen. The temperature in the test chamber was varied from 25 to 80 °C, and the relative humidity was varied from 50 to 100%RH, and the wet condition was also investigated. The results revealed that the MEA deformed significantly by swelling and residual deformation was observed under the dry condition, even for one humidity cycle. The crack formation criteria for one humidity cycle corresponded approximately with those of the static tensile tests. The results of the humidity cycle tests followed Coffin–Manson law, and the number of cycles until crack formation corresponded approximately with the results of the mechanical fatigue tests. These results will be valuable in the critical design of durable PEFCs.

scholarly journals Microstructural Evolution along the NiCrMoV Steel Welded Joints Induced by Low-Cycle Fatigue Damage

Metals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 811
Author(s):  
Shuo Weng ◽  
Yuhui Huang ◽  
Mingliang Zhu ◽  
Fuzhen Xuan
Keyword(s):  
Dislocation Density ◽  
Grain Boundaries ◽  
Strain Amplitude ◽  
Microstructural Evolution ◽  
Welded Joints ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Tensile Tests ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Nicrmov Steel

The degradation of mechanical properties of materials is essentially related to microstructural changes under service loadings, while the inhomogeneous degradation behaviors along welded joints are not well understood. In the present work, microstructural evolution under low-cycle fatigue in base metal (BM) and weld metal (WM) of NiCrMoV steel welded joints were investigated by miniature tensile tests and microstructural observations. Results showed that both the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the BM and WM decreased after low-cycle fatigue tests, which were attributed to the reduction of dislocation density and formation of low-energy structures. However, the microstructural evolution mechanisms in BM and WM under the same cyclic loadings were different, i.e., the decrease of dislocation density in BM was attributed to the dislocation pile-ups along the grain boundaries, dislocation tangles around the carbides at the lower strain amplitudes (±0.3% or ±0.5%). Additionally, when the strain amplitude was ±8%, the dislocation density was further decreased by the formation of subgrains in BM. For WM, the dislocation density decreased with the increase of strain amplitude, which was mainly caused by the dislocation pile-ups along the grain boundaries and the formation of subgrains.

scholarly journals An Energy-Based Unified Approach to Predict the Low-Cycle Fatigue Life of Type 316L Stainless Steel under Various Temperatures and Strain-Rates

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nae Tak ◽  
Jung-Seok Kim ◽  
Jae-Yong Lim
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Strain Rate ◽  
316L Stainless Steel ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Tensile Tests ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Strain Rates ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Type 316L ◽  
Type 316L Stainless Steel

An energy-based low-cycle fatigue model was proposed for applications at a range of temperatures. An existing model was extended to the integrated approach, incorporating the simultaneous effects of strain rate and temperature. A favored material at high temperature, type 316L stainless steel, was selected in this study and its material characteristics were investigated. Tensile tests and low-cycle fatigue tests were performed using several strain rates at a temperature ranging from room temperature to 650 °C. Material properties were obtained in terms of temperature using the displacement-controlled tensile tests and further material response were investigated using strain-controlled tensile tests. Consequently, no pronounced reduction in strengths occurred at temperatures between 300 and 550 °C, and a negative strain rate response was observed in the temperature range. Based on the low-cycle fatigue tests by varying strain rates and temperature, it was found that a normalized plastic strain energy density and a strain-rate modified cycle were successfully correlated. The accuracy of the model was discussed by comparing between predicted and experimental lives.

scholarly journals Low- and High-Cycle Fatigue Behavior of FRCM Composites

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (18) ◽  
pp. 5412
Author(s):  
Angelo Savio Calabrese ◽  
Tommaso D’Antino ◽  
Pierluigi Colombi ◽  
Carlo Poggi
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Loading ◽  
High Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Fatigue Behavior ◽  
Strain Curve ◽  
Tensile Tests ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Stress Strain ◽  
Static Tensile

This paper describes methods, procedures, and results of cyclic loading tensile tests of a PBO FRCM composite. The main objective of the research is the evaluation of the effect of low- and high-cycle fatigue on the composite tensile properties, namely the tensile strength, ultimate tensile strain, and slope of the stress–strain curve. To this end, low- and high-cycle fatigue tests and post-fatigue tests were performed to study the composite behavior when subjected to cyclic loading and after being subjected to a different number of cycles. The results showed that the mean stress and amplitude of fatigue cycles affect the specimen behavior and mode of failure. In high-cycle fatigue tests, failure occurred due to progressive fiber filaments rupture. In low-cycle fatigue, the stress–strain response and failure mode were similar to those observed in quasi-static tensile tests. The results obtained provide important information on the fatigue behavior of PBO FRCM coupons, showing the need for further studies to better understand the behavior of existing concrete and masonry members strengthened with FRCM composites and subjected to cyclic loading.

scholarly journals Fatigue Testing of Wearable Sensing Technologies: Issues and Opportunities

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 4070
Author(s):  
Andrea Karen Persons ◽  
John E. Ball ◽  
Charles Freeman ◽  
David M. Macias ◽  
Chartrisa LaShan Simpson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Life ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Fatigue Testing ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Wearable Sensing ◽  
Failure Data

Standards for the fatigue testing of wearable sensing technologies are lacking. The majority of published fatigue tests for wearable sensors are performed on proof-of-concept stretch sensors fabricated from a variety of materials. Due to their flexibility and stretchability, polymers are often used in the fabrication of wearable sensors. Other materials, including textiles, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and conductive metals or inks, may be used in conjunction with polymers to fabricate wearable sensors. Depending on the combination of the materials used, the fatigue behaviors of wearable sensors can vary. Additionally, fatigue testing methodologies for the sensors also vary, with most tests focusing only on the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) regime, and few sensors are cycled until failure or runout are achieved. Fatigue life predictions of wearable sensors are also lacking. These issues make direct comparisons of wearable sensors difficult. To facilitate direct comparisons of wearable sensors and to move proof-of-concept sensors from “bench to bedside,” fatigue testing standards should be established. Further, both high-cycle fatigue (HCF) and failure data are needed to determine the appropriateness in the use, modification, development, and validation of fatigue life prediction models and to further the understanding of how cracks initiate and propagate in wearable sensing technologies.

Cumulative acoustic emission energy for damage detection in composites reinforced by carbon fibers within low-cycle fatigue regime at various displacement amplitudes and rates

2021 ◽  
pp. 096739112098570
Author(s):  
Mohammad Azadi ◽  
Mohsen Alizadeh ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Jafari ◽  
Amin Farrokhabadi
Keyword(s):  
Acoustic Emission ◽  
Carbon Fibers ◽  
Polymer Matrix Composites ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Energy Parameter ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Matrix Cracking ◽  
Matrix Composites ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Cumulative Energy

In the present article, acoustic emission signals were utilized to predict the damage in polymer matrix composites, reinforced by carbon fibers, in the low-cycle fatigue regime. Displacement-controlled fatigue tests were performed on open-hole samples, under different conditions, at various displacement amplitudes of 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0 mm and also under various displacement rates of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mm/min. After acquiring acoustic emission signals during cycles, two characteristic parameters were used, including the energy and the cumulative energy. Obtained results implied that the energy parameter of acoustic emission signals could be used only for the macroscopic damage, occurring at more than 65% of normalized fatigue cycles under different test conditions. However, the cumulative energy could properly predict both microscopic and macroscopic defects, at least two failure types, including matrix cracking at first cycles and the fiber breakage at last cycles. Besides, scanning electron microscopy images proved initially such claims under all loading conditions.

Evaluation of the Heat Treatment Role for Light Aluminum Alloys Subjected to Creep and Low Cycle Fatigue

2010 ◽  
Vol 638-642 ◽  
pp. 455-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Rutecka ◽  
L. Dietrich ◽  
Zbigniew L. Kowalewski
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Cyclic Hardening ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Lower Stress ◽  
Creep Tests ◽  
Different Temperatures

The AlSi8Cu3 and AlSi7MgCu0.5 cast aluminium alloys of different composition and heat treatment were investigated to verify their applicability as cylinder heads in the car engines [1]. Creep tests under the step-increased stresses at different temperatures, and low cycle fatigue (LCF) tests for a range of strain amplitudes and temperatures were carried out. The results exhibit a significant influence of the heat treatment on the mechanical properties of the AlSi8Cu3 and AlSi7MgCu0.5. An interesting fact is that the properties strongly depend on the type of quenching. Lower creep resistance (higher strain rates) and lower stress response during fatigue tests were observed for the air quenched materials in comparison to those in the water quenched. Cyclic hardening/softening were also observed during the LCF tests due to the heat treatment applied. The mechanical properties determined during the tests can be used to identify new constitutive equations and to verify existing numerical models.

Effect of Different Welded Structures on Mechanical Properties of TA2 Tube-to-Tubesheet Joints

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinlong Wei ◽  
Yang Qian ◽  
Junhui Wang ◽  
Jianxin Zhou ◽  
Xiang Ling
Keyword(s):  
Applied Load ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Weld Zone ◽  
Steel Tube ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Welded Structures ◽  
Pull Out ◽  
Weld Toe ◽  
Welded Tube

Four types of TA2 welded tube-to-tubesheet joints prepared by manual tungsten arc argon-shielded welding technique are studied in this paper. The pull-out tests and low cycle fatigue tests were performed to optimize welded structures of tube and tubesheet. The results show that fractures of welded TA2 tube and tubesheet samples occur at weld zone of TA2 steel tube for the pull-out tests and low cycle fatigue tests. The extension-tubesheet welded joints have the maximum pull-out forces and the best fatigue resistance, and the internal-bore welded joint with 45 deg bevel occupies second place. Fractures are both initiated from weld toe of the outside of tube for the pull-out tests and low cycle fatigue tests. Crack propagates along the direction of 45 deg for the pull-out test. However, crack propagates perpendicularly to the direction of the applied load for low cycle fatigue test, and then fractures immediately parallel to the direction of the applied load. Fatigue striations with a spacing of about 10 μm can be observed on the fatigue crack propagation zone. However, hemispheroidal dimples exist on instant rupture zone.

Damage in Adhesive Joints During Low Cycle Fatigue

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iva´n C. Ca´bulo-Pe´rez ◽  
Juan P. Casas-Rodri´guez
Keyword(s):  
Plastic Strain ◽  
Low Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Stress Test ◽  
Damage Model ◽  
Fatigue Tests ◽  
Constant Stress ◽  
Cycle Fatigue ◽  
Damage Behavior ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Compressive Loads

The objective of this research is to study the damage behavior of bulk adhesive and single lap joint (SLJ) specimens during low cycle fatigue (LCF). Fatigue tests under constant stress amplitude were done and strain response was measured through cycles to failure using the bulk adhesive and SLJ data. A non linear damage model was used to fit experimental results. Identification of the damage parameters for bulk adhesive was obtained from the damage against accumulated plastic strain plot. It is shown that the plastic strain can be obtained from the constant stress test if the instantaneous elastic modulus, i.e. modulus affected by damage, is evaluated for each cycle. On the other hand, damage in SLJ was seen mainly in the adhesive for itself — no substrate failure — this fact is used to propose that fatigue response in the joint is due to continuum damage accumulation in the adhesive as the number of cycles increases. Damage behavior under compressive loads was not taken into account but good correlation of numerical and experimental data was obtained. It was found that damage evolution behaves in a non linear manner as the plastic deformation grows for each cycle: on fatigue onset an accelerated damage grow is observed, then a proportional evolution, and finally a rapid failure occurs; this characteristics were seen in both the SLJ and bulk adhesive specimen. So far, this research takes the damage model found in a standard adhesive specimen and assumes it is accurate enough to represent the damage behavior of the SLJ configuration.

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