The utilization of thermodynamic and mobility data plays a major role in phase-field modeling. This work discusses different formulations for the thermodynamic quantities of a grand potential model along with practices to determine parameters from datasets. The framework is used to study solidification of Al-Si-Mg for a variation of composition, diffusivities and surface energy anisotropies. To verify the simulations, they are compared with solidification theories.

The utilization of thermodynamic and mobility data plays a major role in phase-field modeling. This work discusses different formulations for the thermodynamic quantities of a grand potential model along with practices to determine parameters from datasets. The framework is used to study solidification of Al-Si-Mg for a variation of composition, diffusivities and surface energy anisotropies. To verify the simulations, they are compared with solidification theories. This work was published by Saint Philip Street Press pursuant to a Creative Commons license permitting commercial use. All rights not granted by the work's license are retained by the author or authors.

Most storage materials exhibit phase changes, which cause stresses and, thus, lead to damage of the electrode particles. In this work, a phase-field model for the cathode material NaxFePO4 of Na-ion batteries is studied to understand phase changes and stress evolution. Furthermore, we study the particle size and SOC dependent miscibility gap of the nanoscale insertion materials. Finally, we introduce the nonlocal species concentration theory, and show how the nonlocality influences the results.

This work aimed at designing, studying and producing the first prototypes of KIDs tailored for fusion plasma polarimetric diagnostics. Diamond was considered for the first time as substrate material for low-temperature superconducting detectors given its unmatched optical, radiation hardness and thermal qualities, properties necessary for working environments potentially saturated with radiation. This work represents a first step toward the optimization and final application of this technology.

In this work, the first simulation model of oxygen depolarized cathodes (ODC), which are silver catalyst-based gas diffusion electrodes, is presented that considers the phase equilibrium of the gas-liquid interface and structure-related inhomogeneities in electrolyte distribution. By means of the model it has been identified that mass transport of water and ions in the liquid phase is a crucial factor for electrode performance and how it is influenced by the electrode structure.

Water diffusing into silica surfaces gives rise for several effects on diffusion behaviour and mechanical properties. In a preceding booklet, we focused on diffusion and fiber strengths and deformations which were obtained by water soaking under external loading. In the present booklet we deal with results and interpretations of strength increase in the absence of applied stresses.

Water diffusing into silica surfaces gives rise for several effectson diffusion behaviour and mechanical properties. Water added to silica glass increases its specific volume so that the silica expands near the surface. Mechanical boundary conditions give rise for compressive “swelling stresses”. This fact provides a tool for the interpretation of many experimental observations from literature.

Solid state batteries with a lithium metal electrode are considered the next generation of high energy battery technology. Unfortunately, lithium metal is prone to harmful protrusion or dendrite growth which causes dangerous cell failure. Within this work the problem of protrusion growth is tackled by deriving a novel electro-chemo-mechanical theory tailored for binary solid state batteries which is then used to discuss the impact of mechanics on interface stability by numerical studies.

The main objective of this work is to significantly deepen the understanding of the material and the structural behaviour of continuous-discontinuous SMC composites, following a holistic approach to investigate microscopic aspects, macroscopic mechanical behaviour as well as failure evolution at the coupon, structure and component level. In addition, criteria to evaluate the effect of hybridisation are introduced and modelling approaches are presented and discussed.