Characterization of aluminum casing for safe and reliable cylindrical batteries
This research focuses on the comprehensive characterization of aluminum casings for cylindrical batteries to enhance safety, reliability, and performance. It addresses the impacts of mechanical, thermal, and corrosive conditions on battery casings.
Overview
The research proposes a comprehensive characterization of aluminum casings for cylindrical batteries, aiming to improve their safety, reliability, and performance. The hypothesis highlights the critical role of the casing in maintaining a stable electro-chemo-mechanical environment, essential for battery longevity and safety. Aluminum casings, when exposed to harsh mechanical, thermal, and corrosive conditions, can experience deformation, fatigue, and fracture, leading to accelerated degradation and potential safety hazards such as thermal runaway. The research seeks to replace traditional steel casings with aluminum, requiring an in-depth understanding of its performance under real-world conditions.
Technical specifications
- Conduct cell performance tests using lab-standard 4680 battery cells with aluminum casings.
- Measure surface temperature and deformation during cycling tests.
- Perform 3D Digital Image Correlation tests to monitor full-field strain every 100 cycles.
- Evaluate mechanical properties of aluminum casings through tensile, shear, punch, and bulging tests, both pristine and aged.
- Conduct quasi-static penetration tests on cells at different states of charge (SOC) to assess safety.
- Potential development of a fracture model for aluminum casings.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that the component and/or breadboard validation has been conducted in a laboratory environment.
About Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a private, comprehensive R1 research university based in Boston with a global campus network. Its century-old cooperative education model integrates full-time, paid placements with academic study, enabling companies to access vetted talent and long-term pipelines worldwide. Industry collaboration is supported by a suburban innovation campus offering test beds, secure labs, and fee-for-use core facilities, alongside co-located partner spaces. The university attracts competitive federal research funding from agencies such as the NSF and NIH. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation for corporate partnerships.
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