Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Mechanical Engineering Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Characterization Of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane With Optical Methods, Xinyu Huang, Luis Alva, Jay Neutzler Jan 2011

Mechanical Characterization Of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane With Optical Methods, Xinyu Huang, Luis Alva, Jay Neutzler

Faculty Publications

Mechanical properties of polymer electrolyte membrane have important implications in the endurance of many electrochemical energy conversion devices [1]. Mechanical experiments are effective method to reveal discrete damage developed in the membrane by quantifying the change of mechanical strength and toughness. Regular strain measurement methods are overly intrusive to the thin and relatively fragile polymer electrolyte membrane; hence optical-based minimal invasive stress/strain measurement methods are studied.


Inhomogeneous Degradation Of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane In Pem Fuel Cells, Xinyu Huang, Wonseok Yoon Jan 2009

Inhomogeneous Degradation Of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane In Pem Fuel Cells, Xinyu Huang, Wonseok Yoon

Faculty Publications

Membrane durability is one of the technical barriers for the commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Membrane embrittlement (a form of mechanical weakening) can lead to the frequently observed “sudden death” behavior of PEM fuel cells. It is the objective of this study to explore the fundamental mechanisms of the mechanical weakening of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) based electrolyte membranes during the accelerated degradation test.