The project has reached an important milestone in its work on cryogenic hydrogen storage, with Deliverable 3.2 highlighting strong progress in the assessment of both metallic and non-metallic materials. This task is led by the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering/NTUA and plays a key role in supporting the safe and reliable development of liquid hydrogen storage solutions.
Deliverable 3.2 is structured into three parts. Part A involves a literature review to optimize testing and explore cryogenic thermal measurement equipment. Part B establishes the strategic testing plan. Part C is divided into two sections presenting the experimental results for metallic (C1) and non-metallic (C2) materials.
Following the successful incorporation of ABS comments, Deliverable D3.2 (Part A and Part B) has been submitted and a finalized testing plan is now in place.
Regarding Metallic Materials (Task 3.3), high-grade stainless-steel plates, including welded specimens, have been procured and are currently undergoing precision machining and testing. Mechanical characterization is well underway, with tensile property data successfully collected at Low Temperatures (LT) and Cryogenic Temperatures (CT). In addition, Slow Strain Rate Testing (SSRT) is being performed across these temperatures, as well as at Room Temperature (RT), to evaluate performance under various pre-treatment conditions.
Regarding Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) susceptibility, initial 15-day liquid hydrogen (LH2) immersion tests showed no significant hydrogen uptake through Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy (TDS). Consequently, a rigorous cathodic hydrogen-charging procedure has been implemented to further assess material limits, alongside an upcoming fatigue testing plan to be carried out by Technische Universität Dresden (TUD).
In parallel, progress on Non-Metallic Materials (Task 3.4) includes finalized testing requirements and the arrival of raw materials for specimen manufacturing. Preparations are now underway for LH2 submersion testing.
Over the next six months, the focus will shift to completing metallic fatigue testing and initiating the full experimental programme for non-metallic insulation materials.
