Work

A Novel SPH-Based Approach to Predicting Explosion-Induced Failure and Containment in 18650 Battery Systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) framework developed to investigate the thermomechanical response and failure behavior of cylindrical 18650-type lithium-ion battery cans under explosion conditions. The model captures the coupled evolution of gas pressure, temperature, and particle dynamics, as well as the resulting deformation and fracture of the metallic enclosure. Parametric analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of the internal gas domain geometry, can wall thickness, and initial pressure on the structural response, along with the subsequent post-explosion interaction between the escaping gas and external protective coverage. The results demonstrate the strong dependence of failure initiation on gas confinement geometry and highlight the existence of transient thermodynamic asymmetries within the gas domain that govern the impulse transferred to the can wall. The proposed modeling approach provides a physically consistent means of reproducing the key stages of battery explosion—from internal pressurization to external gas impact—and offers valuable insights for designing safer and more resilient energy storage enclosures.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16010153

Authors: Murat Demiral, Erol Gültekin, Murat Otkur

Institutions: American University of the Middle East, University of Turkish Aeronautical Association

Language: English

Topic: Fluid Dynamics Simulations and Interactions

Subfield: Computational Mechanics

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896