Hydrogen is a key energy carrier for a sustainable future, with applications in transport, storage, and industry. However, its safe use is challenged by hydrogen embrittlement, a phenomenon in which hydrogen diffuses into metals and reduces their strength and ductility, potentially leading to sudden failure. This thesis investigates the effect of hydrogen on additively manufactured (3D-printed) 316L stainless steel. While additive manufacturing enables complex geometries, it also introduces microstructural features such as cellular dislocation structures, porosity, and interfaces, which influence hydrogen–material interactions. Experimental and microscopic analyses show that hydrogen accumulates at these microstructural features. This leads to increased strength but reduced ductility, making the material more prone to cracking. These findings improve the understanding of material failure in hydrogen environments and support the design of safer, more reliable components for hydrogen technologies.
Membres du jury :
- Prof. Pascal J. Jacques (UCLouvain)(Promoteur)
- Prof. Kim Verbeken (Ghent University) )(Promoteur)
- Prof. Tom Depover (Ghent University) )(Promoteur)
- Prof. Hennie De Schepper (Ghent University) (Président)
- Prof. Hosni Idrissi (UCLouvain) (Secrétaire)
- Prof. Vahid Javaheri (University of Oulu)
- Prof. Hossein Beladi (Ghent University)
- Dr. Nuria Fuertes (Swerim)
- Dr. Antoine Hilhorst(UCLouvain)
Soutenance publique également accessible par visio-conférence via le lien (TEAMS) :
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/31384613761800?p=RVMOiduzaYwI1syS35
