Multiphysics Analysis of Impact of Vibrations on the Formation of Dendrites in Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this work, a Multiphysics simulation framework that combines the mechanical and electrochemical parameters of lithium-ion batteries is developed to study the effects of the vibrations in the range of 50 Hz to 500 Hz on the formation of lithium dendrites in batteries. We establish a relationship between the electrochemical and mechanical interfaces of lithium-ion batteries using the user defined function of the Battery Design module in COMSOL Multiphysics. The novelty of our work focuses on our approach how a stress-dependent diffusion model, where the stresses generated due to vibrations enhanced the diffusivity in the lithium-ion batteries at the negative electrode, which increases the uneven plating, and thus it is an added factor to the growth of dendrites, which is one of the main cause of battery degradation. The simulation is carried out in a simplified one-dimensional geometry to demonstrate this electro-chemo-mechanical coupling. We find a non-monotonic frequency response, where the dendrite growth is fastest in a mid-band frequency range of 150−250 Hz, and is slowest near 350 Hz. These results are compared to Faradaic deposition rates and provide an analysis of the scenarios that can accelerate battery failure and degradation. Our method is a repeatable approach that ensures the consistent unit measurements, making it easier to study the impact of vibrations on the lithium-ion battery degradation mechanism that is important to understand to mitigate the risk of catastrophic battery failure and to extend its overall life and performance. The findings of this paper are useful to manage the operating vibration frequencies to lessen their impact on the formation of dendrites for improved battery safety standards.