Thermomechanical modelling of ion-conducting membrane for oxygen separation

Dense mixed ionic conducting membranes are subjected to stresses induced by the oxygen activity gradient under operating conditions. This works proposed a thermomechanical model, taking into account such chemical induced strain. This model permits predictive simulation by the finite element method in transient and steady state to give guidelines for reactor operating conditions optimization. Modelling has shown that the maximum stress on the membrane depends on thermal gradient along the membrane and transient phaseʹs management.