Continuum modeling of electrochemomechanical phenomena by a variational approach with application to all solid state batteries

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Stark
• Subject Area: Mechanics ; Mathematics ; Mechanical Properties of Metallic Materials and their Microstructural Origins ; Theoretical Chemistry: Molecules, Materials, Surfaces ; Thermodynamics and Kinetics as well as Properties of Phases and Microstructure of Materials
• Term: from 2018 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 405489278

All solid state lithium-ion batteries are a promising battery design, which has several advantages over liquid electrolyte based lithium-ion batteries. However, significant effort is expected to be required to solve several issues like mechanical degradation and insufficient rate capability of all solid state lithium-ion batteries. In this context, modeling of the relevant phenomena can help to fully understand and reduce/eliminate these problems. The present research aims at the development and numerical evaluation of an appropriate electrochemomechanical continuum modeling approach, which is applicable on the macro-scale as well as on the micro-scale. The model will be stated in terms of a rate-type variational principle, thereby enabling for a rather compact, thermodynamically consistent formulation. Moreover, the variational principle allows for the application of robust and efficient numerical solution schemes, which will likewise be developed. The resulting space-time discrete formulation will be applied to the modeling of problems representative of situations occurring in the context of all solid state lithium-ion batteries. This is intended to provide the basis for future systematic studies and optimization of the properties of all solid state lithium-ion batteries.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: South Africa
• Host: Professor Daya Reddy