relation: http://eprints.imtlucca.it/2044/
title: Numerical modelling of microcracking in PV modules induced by thermo-mechanical loads 
creator: Paggi, Marco
creator: Sapora, Alberto
subject: TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
description: Abstract Micro-cracking in polycrystalline Silicon is a serious concern for the durability of photovoltaic (PV) modules due to the resulting electrical power-loss. In this contribution, a thermo-mechanical cohesive zone model is proposed to predict the evolution of micro-cracks under the action of mechanical and thermal loads. The classical nonlinear cohesive zone approach, used in fracture mechanics to depict the phenomenon of cracking as a result of progressive breakage of atomic bonds, is extended to thermo-elastic fields. The additional thermal resistance of micro-cracks due to imperfect bonding is estimated according to an analogy with a contact mechanics formulation, where the dependency on the crack opening is suitably accounted for. A numerical example shows the applicability of the proposed approach to practical problems. 
publisher: Elsevier
date: 2013
type: Article
type: PeerReviewed
identifier:   Paggi, Marco and Sapora, Alberto  Numerical modelling of microcracking in PV modules induced by thermo-mechanical loads.  Energy Procedia, 38.  506 - 515.  ISSN 1876-6102      (2013)  
relation: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610213013969
relation: 10.1016/j.egypro.2013.07.310