Library and Information Services Assistant, Sophie Hobbs was joined by TWI’s Director of Research and Quality Assurance, Dr Paul Woollin, for the latest edition of the TWI ‘Undistilled Engineering’ podcast.
As part of her Library, Information, and Archive Services apprenticeship with Norfolk County Council, Sophie Hobbs has produced this episode of TWI’s ‘Undistilled Engineering’, centred around the topic of hydrogen embrittlement, with the aim of easing access to TWI’s knowledge and resources in this area. In this instalment, Sophie and Paul discuss TWI’s history with hydrogen embrittlement; from TWI’s (then known as the BWRA) initial involvement in the 1940s, through a range of developments and innovations up until today and into the future.
Sophie presents a timeline of key papers and research published by TWI staff over the years, demonstrating major trends and developments in knowledge. Meanwhile, Paul explains the industrial applications, provides technical insight and reminisces on his own involvement with hydrogen embrittlement, including the development of the DNV recommended procedure for avoiding hydrogen cracking in duplex stainless steels (DNV RP F112).
As the ‘hydrogen economy’ continues to grow, from the installation of pipelines to the advent of hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, understanding the effect hydrogen has on welds and metals is of great importance. TWI possesses a decades-long history of research into hydrogen embrittlement, helping industry to avoid the effect of hydrogen on structures.
Hydrogen embrittlement was first known as a phenomenon in the 1870s as the second industrial revolution saw the widespread adoption of steels and steel welding for shipbuilding. However, at this time, little was understood about the mechanics behind hydrogen embrittlement. After the Second World War, the UK Government’s investment in scientific research saw the formation of a number of scientific institutes, including the BWRA (which would become TWI), and with it came an increase in research into the phenomenon.
Early work at BWRA consisted of the effects of hydrogen on carbon-manganese steels, but as research continued throughout the decades, TWI’s understanding of hydrogen embrittlement came to include a range of materials including duplex and super duplex steels, polymers and, more recently, additively manufactured alloys such as Inconel 718. Knowledge also developed through a range of applications through our work with industries such as oil and gas, deep-water pipelines, and the automotive sector.
Extra Materials
Extra resources have also been produced to accompany this podcast.
Click here to access the full timeline of papers TWI has published on the subject of hydrogen embrittlement. The timeline includes links to the TWI resources including the TWI Digital Library, an exclusive platform for TWI’s Professional and Industrial Members to access 80+ years of technical expertise.
Click here to view a full edited transcript of the podcast audio.
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Podcast hosted by Sophie Hobbs.
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