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A staggered approach for the coupling of Cahn–Hilliard type diffusion and finite strain elasticity

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Abstract

We develop an algorithm and computational implementation for simulation of problems that combine Cahn–Hilliard type diffusion with finite strain elasticity. We have in mind applications such as the electro-chemo-mechanics of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries. We concentrate on basic computational aspects. A staggered algorithm is proposed for the coupled multi-field model. For the diffusion problem, the fourth order differential equation is replaced by a system of second order equations to deal with the issue of the regularity required for the approximation spaces. Low order finite elements are used for discretization in space of the involved fields (displacement, concentration, nonlocal concentration). Three (both 2D and 3D) extensively worked numerical examples show the capabilities of our approach for the representation of (i) phase separation, (ii) the effect of concentration in deformation and stress, (iii) the effect of strain in concentration, and (iv) lithiation. We analyze convergence with respect to spatial and time discretization and found that very good results are achievable using both a staggered scheme and approximated strain interpolation.

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Notes

  1. Also called spinodal decomposition.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the Financial support by means of ERC-CoG COMBAT (Computational Modeling and Design of Lithium-ion batteries). We also gratefully acknowledge the useful discussions with Dr. Jahed Naghipoor who pointed out the practical importance of swelling during lithiation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, University of Évora, Colégio Luís António Verney, Rua Romão Ramalho, 59, 7002-554, Évora, Portugal

    P. Areias

  2. ICIST, Lisbon, Portugal

    P. Areias

  3. School of Engineering, Universidad de Cuenca, Av. 12 de Abril s/n. 01-01-168, Cuenca, Ecuador

    E. Samaniego

  4. Institute of Structural Mechanics, Bauhaus-University Weimar, Marienstraße 15, 99423, Weimar, Germany

    T. Rabczuk

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  1. P. Areias
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  2. E. Samaniego
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Correspondence to P. Areias.

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Areias, P., Samaniego, E. & Rabczuk, T. A staggered approach for the coupling of Cahn–Hilliard type diffusion and finite strain elasticity. Comput Mech 57, 339–351 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00466-015-1235-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00466-015-1235-1

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