Free vibration analysis of a PEMFC using the finite element method

Hasnet E.U. Ahmed, Jean W. Zu, Aimy Bazylak

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this study, a free vibration analysis of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is performed by modelling the PEMFC as a composite plate structure. The membrane, gas diffusion electrodes, and bi-polar plates are modelled as composite material plies. Energy equations are derived based on the Mindlin plate theory, and natural frequencies and mode shapes of the PEMFC are calculated using finite element modelling. A parametric study is conducted to investigate how the natural frequency varies as a function of thickness, Young's modulus, and density for each component layer. It is observed that increasing the thickness of the bi-polar plates has the most significant effect on the lowest natural frequency, with a 25% increase in thickness resulting in an 11% increase in the natural frequency. The mode shapes of the PEMFC provide insight into the maximum displacement exhibited as well as the stresses experienced by the material under various vibration conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASME 2010 8th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, FUELCELL 2010
Pages633-640
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
EventASME 2010 8th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, FUELCELL 2010 - Brooklyn, NY, United States
Duration: 14 Jun 201016 Jun 2010

Publication series

NameASME 2010 8th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, FUELCELL 2010
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceASME 2010 8th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, FUELCELL 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBrooklyn, NY
Period14/06/1016/06/10

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