Project Description: Composite materials are currently in the process of being evaluated for potential use in both gaseous and liquid hydrogen tanks across multiple sectors, including automotive and aerospace. For liquid hydrogen in particular, this would mean that the tank must be capable of being exposed to significant cryogenic temperatures whilst retaining structural integrity. This is particularly important for the case of re-fueling said tanks, which will transition from ambient temperatures down to cryogenic temperatures repeatedly, thus opening potential challenges when it comes to fatigue. Composite materials have traditionally suffered weaknesses when it comes to extremes of temperatures, particularly when it comes to fatigue. This project will focus on the manufacture of composite material samples, which will then be repeatedly exposed to cryogenic cycles alongside cycles of higher temperatures to expose the materials to conditions that they might see under certain applications, and then tested to gauge the resultant effect on the material properties of the composite. The project will be heavily experimental, and involve working in collaboration with a PhD student based within the Advanced Composites Group (ACG).

Project objectives: The key aims/objectives for the project will be as follows:

(i) To conduct a literature review into the state-of-the-art when it comes to testing of testing of composite materials at cryogenic temperatures, as well as after repeated exposiure to cryogenic temperatures.

(ii) To manufacture composite material samples, and develop a procedure for exposing them to cryogenic temperatures in a safe/controlled manner.

(iii) Determination of macroscopic properties (e.g. mechanical strength, elastic modulus) of composite materials following exposure cycles.

(iv) Conduct analysis using microscopy techniques to assess the failure mechanisms of the samples following exposure.