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Analysis of Deep Drawing Process for Stainless Steel Micro-Channel Array.
Tsung-Chia Chen1, Jiang-Cheng Lin2, Rong-Mao Lee3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung City 411, Taiwan. ctchen@ncut.edu.tw.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 5, 2017
Summary
Stainless steel bipolar plates offer a cost-effective alternative to graphite. Optimizing the deep drawing process, particularly die fillet design, is crucial for forming reliable micro-channel arrays for fuel cells.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Graphite bipolar plates are costly, driving research into alternatives like stainless steel.
- Micro-channels in bipolar plates are essential for fuel flow, electrical conductivity, and sealing in fuel cell systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the deep drawing process for creating stainless steel micro-channel arrays.
- Analyze the formability and identify critical parameters for successful micro-fabrication.
Main Methods:
- Utilized updated Lagrangian formulation and degenerated shell finite element analysis.
- Employed the r-minimum rule to study punch load, stress/strain, and dimensional variations.
- Fabricated micro-channel arrays with 0.75 mm width and 0.5 mm depth.
Main Results:
- Fractures commonly occurred at the micro-channel bottom fillet corner.
- Larger die fillets improved formability and reduced punch load.
- Simultaneous consideration of micro-channel thickness and fillet radius is necessary.
Conclusions:
- Die fillet design is critical for stainless steel micro-channel array fabrication.
- Experimental punch loads were lower than those predicted by unmodified forming equations.
- Further optimization of the deep drawing process can enhance bipolar plate manufacturing.
