Open Access

The energy transition towards hydrogen utilisation has increased the demand for reliable testing methods to evaluate the susceptibility of metallic materials to hydrogen degradation. However, traditional electrochemical pre-charging techniques have limitations in represent-ing realistic gaseous hydrogen exposure conditions. This study presents three comparative analyses of tensile testing methodologies, focusing on the differences between electrochem-ical pre-charging, gaseous pre-charging, and in-situ testing using hollow specimens for aus-tenitic steels AISI 304L and 316L type austenitic steels. Based on the results obtained, the first comparison reveals that electrochemically pre-charged and gaseously pre-charged specimens exhibit different behaviours regarding the impact on the mechanical properties. This effect can be retraced to the varying distribution of hydrogen throughout the specimens. Although comparable embrittlement was observed for similar hydrogen concentrations, the relationship appears to be non-systematic. The second comparison evaluates the performance of pre-charged hollow specimens (300°C, 100 bar, 21 days) in comparison to hollow specimens tested in-situ under 200 bar hydrogen during slow strain rate tensile tests (SSRT). While pre-charged specimens show a slight de-crease in elongation at fracture and a noticeable decrease in reduction of area (RA), in-situ tested specimens exhibit significantly more pronounced embrittlement. This is in accord-ance with the results of Michler et. al. In the third comparison, geometry effects between pre-charged conventional and pre-charged hollow specimens are explored. In this case, the hydrogen effect appears to be of the same order of magnitude for both specimen types, although some differences are ob-served. The study's findings underscore the importance of considering differences between test methods when assessing materials’ compatibility with hydrogen. It specifically emphasises the need for in-situ testing with gaseous hydrogen to better represent real conditions in ap-plications within the hydrogen sector. Furthermore, the study provides an initial compari-son between conventional and hollow specimens, demonstrating their capability to reveal hydrogen effects. However, additional research is essential to enhance the comparability of results yielded by these testing methods.

In this paper, we report on surface-applied distributed fibre optic sensors for monitoring composite pressure vessels designed for hydrogen storage. Previous reports have revealed that integrating optical fibres within vessel composite structures effectively enables the monitoring of structural behavior throughout their lifetime. However, integrating optical fibres during the manufacturing process is complex and time-consuming. Therefore, we aim to simplify this process by attaching the optical fibres to the vessel’s surface. This method is significantly more timeefficient than the integration process and can be applied to any vessel. Our results demonstrate that surface-applied fibre optic sensors can detect and precisely localise damage. Additionally, signs of damage can be recognised even before the damage occurs. Predictive maintenance using fibre optic sensors could reduce premature maintenance costs and periodic inspections while increasing safety and extending the vessel’s useful service life. The role of machine learning in predictive maintenance is also discussed.

The digitalization of quality control processes and the use of digital data infrastructures is a novel idea that can be applied for ensuring the operational safety and reliability of pressure vessels, particularly in the context of hydrogen storage at high pressure. Despite the critical role these pressure vessels play, current safety regulations lack an established concept for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). This research addresses this gap by presenting a study on the application of ultrasonic guided waves (GWs) for SHM of Type IV Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs). The study focuses on the development of a reliable measurement system to transition from conventional periodic inspections to SHM and predictive maintenance, prolonging the remaining lifetime of the vessels. A sensor network is employed, consisting of fifteen piezoelectric wafers arranged in three rings, which are mounted on the outer surface of the COPV. Deploying GWs, known for their long-distance propagation and ability to cover complex structures, the study explores GW behavior under different environmental and operational conditions, including periodic pressure fluctuations and temperature loadings. Meticulous analysis of GW signals by utilizing various features and damage indices, underscores their suitability for an effective SHM under realistic working conditions. The project aims to localize defects by considering temperature, and internal pressure. Mimicking the continuous monitoring of Type IV COPVs in H2 refueling gas stations under authentic operational conditions, the COPV underwent thousands of pressure load cycles in our special test facility. The implemented methodology facilitates early damage detection, showcasing the efficacy of the designed method in effective safety assurance.

In Germany, the search for a final repository for highly radioactive material is currently based on the assumption that interim storage will take considerably longer than was anticipated. At that time, authorization procedures assumed that interim storage would be brief, until the containment systems could be placed in a final repository. For today's new approvals and extensions, the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) regulations for the transport of radioactive material require an assessment of all components and component groups with regard to ageing. To assess the safety requirements not only over the previously envisaged periods but also over long durations, numerous individual parts and component groups must be examined and evaluated for ageing and interactions between materials. The metal seals of a double lid sealing system, for example, are critical components that must be studied with respect to ageing. In a containment system for radioactive material, metal seals must not only undergo classic ageing, but also withstand mechanical influences and radiation over extended periods. In addition to assessments by the applicants, BAM must also independently analyze and evaluate these ageing mechanisms as part of its sovereign mandate. Another challenge in both new approvals and extensions is the assessment of transport regarding changes in the state of the art, which are not synchronously assessed in the regulations. In transporting radioactive material, a classic oil fire has been assumed in a hypothetical accident scenario from the development of the regulations to the present day. Due to the rapid development of propulsion technologies in recent years, such as battery or hydrogen-powered vehicles, investigations must be conducted in the revision process of the IAEA regulations to assess the impact of these new technologies on safety assessments. It is important for the member states of the IAEA to know whether new technologies are covered by the regulations or if changes are necessary to continue issuing international licenses. By focusing on batteries from the material to the cell to the module and the application, BAM contributes to the evaluation of batteries at every step of the chain. In addition to the safety of current and new battery technologies, BAM also endeavors to address issues of compositional trace and sustainable energy materials.

Microalloying elements such as Nb and Ti are essential to increase the strength of quenched and tempered high-strength low alloy (HSLA) structural steels with nominal yield strength ≥ 690 MPa and their welded joints. Standards such as EN 10025–6 only specify limits or ranges for chemical composition, which leads to variations in specific compositions between steel manufacturers. These standards do not address the mechanical properties of the material, and even small variations in alloy content can significantly affect these properties. This makes it difficult to predict the weldability and integrity of welded joints, with potential problems such as softening or excessive hardening of the heat-affected zone (HAZ). To understand these metallurgical effects, previous studies have investigated different microalloying routes with varying Ti and Nb contents using test alloys. The high-strength quenched and tempered fine-grained structural steel S690QL is the basic grade regarding chemical composition and heat treatment. To evaluate weldability, three-layer welds were made using high-performance MAG welding. HAZ formation was investigated, and critical microstructural areas were identified, focusing on phase transformations during cooling and metallurgical precipitation behavior. Isothermal thermodynamic calculations for different precipitations were also carried out. Mechanical properties, especially Charpy notch impact toughness, were evaluated to understand the influence of different microalloys on the microstructure of the HAZ and mechanical properties.