Webinars
21 October 2025
TWI Core Research Programme Showcase Webinar - 'Make it thinner: A friction stir welding approach for the manufacture of thin aluminium liners for hydrogen tanks'
To support the decarbonisation of the transport sector, liquid hydrogen (LH2) is required to be stored in a portable and lightweight pressure vessel. The most promising and safest pressure vessel type for this application is known as ‘type 3’, comprised of a thin-walled aluminium vessel liner with a carbon fibre reinforced polymer overlay. As a non-load bearing part, the aluminium liner wall thickness throughout the geometry of the vessels should be as thin as possible for lightweighting purposes. However, current established manufacturing routes have limitations in terms of vessel size as well as minimum thickness gauge that is possible to successfully weld.
As part of TWI’s core research programme, this webinar will cover the development of a stationary shoulder-micro friction stir welding (SS-µFSW) procedure for the manufacture of aluminium liners with sub-millimetre thickness. The insights produced from this research will help attendees deploy this developed methodology into the manufacturing and assembly stages. Additionally, the webinar will demonstrate the mechanical properties and weld quality that can be achieved using the developed methodology as well as tank dimension and alloys for subsequent projects and demonstrators.
The free-to-attend webinar will provide TWI Industrial Members with valuable insight into the outcomes of this project to support the adoption of lightweight solutions, improve fuel storage and safety as well as reduce the cost of transportation. Please note, the event is for TWI Industrial Members only and pre-registration is required.
Speakers
Dr Pedro de Sousa Santos PhD IEng AWeldI
Advanced Manufacturing Engineer, FWP
TWI
Pedro is working as an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer in TWI’s Friction Welding and Processing section, managing client relationships and the delivery of projects involving friction welding technologies, predominantly for the aerospace and space sectors. Due to his experience in engineering projects, Pedro is affiliated with the Engineering Council and The Welding Institute. As an active STEM ambassador, he frequently presents and supports workshops on engineering related topics to audiences ranging from Year one to sixth form students.
Ian Froment
Section Manager - Membership Development
TWI Ltd
Ian Froment is TWI's Section Manager for the Membership Development Section. as well as Industrial Membership Manager for the Power Generation and Medical Sectors.
Ian is responsible for interfacing with TWI Industrial Members in the nuclear, fossil and renewable energy sectors. Ian Froment can support direct technical enquiries as well as answer questions on TWI's membership services, ultimately maximising value for TWI.