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Simulation and experimental researches on multi-plate rubber pad forming of two-step micro-channel based on different forming driving models

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Abstract

Surface micro-channels with different structures have a variety of functions. In order to further develop these functions, micro-channel design and forming process are constantly being innovated. In this paper, the advanced rubber pad forming technology is used to manufacture the new two-step micro-channel structure. Forced convection can be caused by this kind of micro-channel in three dimensions of the gas, which can reduce the flow rate and make the gas evenly distributed. Therefore, it can be used in bipolar plates of PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cell). According to the driving mode, forming mode is divided into active forming and passive forming. The metal plates formed in these ways are studied, and the advantages and differences of forming results are discussed. The 304 stainless steel sheet with the thickness of 0.1 mm is used in the manufacturing process. Polyurethane with shore A70 hardness and 60 mm total thickness is selected as rubber pad. And then, two models of forming two metal plates simultaneously in one time are presented. In order to verify the accuracy of the model, finite element method and forming experiment are carried out. It is shown that the rubber pad forming process is a feasible process for producing multiple two-step micro-channel metal plates in one time.

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Data availability

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Funding

This work is financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51905068), the Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province (No. 2020-HYLH-24), and the open research fund from the State Key Laboratory of Rolling and Automation, Northeastern University (No. 2020RALKFKT012).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Transportation Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, No. 1 Linghai Road, Ganjingzi District, Dalian, Liaoning, 106026, People’s Republic of China

    Teng Fei, Wang Hongyu, Shi Shengnan, Jiang Lei & Sun Juncai

  2. State Key Laboratory of Rolling & Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110819, People’s Republic of China

    Sun Jie & Di Hongshuang

  3. Shagang School of Iron and Steel, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215002, People’s Republic of China

    Zhang Shunhu

Authors
  1. Teng Fei
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  2. Wang Hongyu
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  3. Shi Shengnan
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  4. Jiang Lei
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  5. Sun Juncai
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  6. Sun Jie
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  7. Di Hongshuang
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  8. Zhang Shunhu
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Contributions

F. Teng: Finite element simulation, forming experiment, writing (original draft), and writing (review and editing). H.Y. Wang: Supervision, provide idea, funding acquisition, and writing (review and editing). S.N. Shi: Finite element simulation and forming experiment. L. Jiang: Finite element simulation and forming experiment. J.C. Sun: Supervision and funding acquisition. J. Sun: Provide advice and writing (review and editing). H.S. Di: Provide advice and writing (review and editing). S.H. Zhang: Provide advice and writing (review and editing).

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Correspondence to Wang Hongyu.

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Teng, F., Wang, H., Shi, S. et al. Simulation and experimental researches on multi-plate rubber pad forming of two-step micro-channel based on different forming driving models. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 120, 4147–4157 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-022-09007-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-022-09007-4

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