UCL Mechanical Engineering have recently partnered with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to explore the impact of hydrogen combustion on high-temperature materials.
Hydrogen is increasingly being viewed as a potential sustainable energy source to replace conventional carbon-based fuels in all transport modes. It is of particular relevance in aviation due to its high energy density by weight which could lead to longer flights with more passengers. However, before this fuel can be safely integrated more research must be undertaken exploring how the presence of hydrogen impacts material properties such as oxidation, corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement.
This project will help address critical questions in aviation related to hydrogen embrittlement in jet engine materials. It will also support efforts to ensure the safe combustion of hydrogen. Additionally, the research will identify further areas for development to advance the use of hydrogen in the aviation industry.
Materials scientist, Dr Enrique Galindo-Nava said:
"Currently, most material certification and testing procedures in materials for jet engines, including Nickel-based superalloys, do not consider the presence of hydrogen. It is not known how hydrogen will affect the mechanical integrity of these materials. This set of studies will be the starting point towards identifying gaps in existing testing procedures for material qualification and propose new ones for hydrogen-rich environments in aviation materials."
Contact for further information about this project
Dr Enrique Galindo-Nava
Associate Professor Materials Science and Engineering
Click to email. e.galindo-nava@ucl.ac.ukContact to explore how you could partner with Mechanical Engineering in research
