Metal suppliers invited to contribute to new HCN research programme

The ATI’s Hydrogen Capability Network is inviting metal suppliers to contribute materials and expertise to a new cryogenic hydrogen testing initiative.

In May 2024 the ATI’s Hydrogen Capability Network (HCN) announced a four-year strategic research programme on Cryogenic Hydrogen Materials Testing Standards (CHyMES) as one of three key priorities.

This programme, being developed in partnership with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), aims to enable product design and certification covering test standard development for the evaluation of mechanical, thermal, and physical material properties. Full details of the CHyMES programme activity and outputs are available in this presentation.

Now, the HCN is looking to engage with metal material suppliers who could supply free-of-charge materials into the programme and become part of the project steering board. The HCN steering board is an opportunity to be part of reviewing the outputs as they evolve and advising the project team.

A range of standard metals is required including 300 series stainless steels, aerospace grade Al alloys and Nickel alloys, to allow the data to be open access and comparable to existing literature values. Ideally, suppliers would be UK based, and the material will be in sheet, bar or rod format.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the HCN’s Materials Fundamental Research Lead, Cameron Blackwell at Cameron.Blackwell@ati.org.uk. If you’re not able to contribute materials but would still like to engage with the HCN, email hydrogen@ati.org.uk.

Launched in April 2023 and funded by the Department for Business and Trade, the HCN is an ATI project set up to identify and deliver the key requirements to accelerate the development of a new era of liquid hydrogen-powered flight in the UK. The HCN mission is to secure long-term UK capability in zero-carbon emission aircraft and a competitive advantage for the UK aerospace sector. Continuation of the programme has been confirmed to at least April 2025.