Evaluation of Fracture Behavior of (CeO₂)_1-x(SmO_1.5)_x Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Laminates

Abstract

A simple fracture testing method, which was combined with acoustic-emission (AE) monitoring was developed in order to investigate the mechanical performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) under simulated environments. The fracture testing method was applied to ceria electrolyte-supported single cells. The fracture damage process was shown to involve vertical cracking and delamination in the cathode, and vertical cracking in the electrolyte, and the fracture damages were most likely due to the chemical expansion induced stresses. It was demonstrated that the AE method enabled us to detect the above-mentioned fracture process and determine the condition for the onset of the fracture damage in the single cell.