Structural durability in Net Zero age: Effect of degradation

Conducted in collaboration with Caterpillar

The aim of this project is to analyse the effect of hydrogen and Low Carbon Intensity (LCI) fuels on degradation of surfaces exposed to such harsh environments and, subsequently, structural integrity and durability of affected components and structures. The main challenge is assessment of a transition between a relatively slow process of degradation and a rapid deterioration of structural integrity due to formation of macroscopic defects. 

Requirements of transition to Net Zero necessitates the introduction of new solutions for automotive and off-road applications. They include the use of both hydrogen and LCI fuels, resulting in different chemical reactions with (mostly) metallic components and structures. Together with increased temperatures, they can significantly change the surface and subsurface layers of components and even transform their microstructure, potentially introducing additional defects.

Thus, assessment of these effects on structural reliability and durability of systems requires not only quantification of respective changes in materials but also development of novel tools for design and optimisation of new engineering solutions. This will be achieved by combining established methods of microstructural analysis and mechanical testing with new schemes such as Acoustic Emission for non-destructive assessment of degradation and Machine Learning for development of predictive tools to enhance durability by avoiding initiation and propagation of defects and cracks.