Computational predictions of weld structural integrity in hydrogen transport pipelines

We combine welding process modelling with deformation–diffusion–fracture (embrittlement) simulations to predict failures in hydrogen transport pipelines. The focus is on the structural integrity of seam welds, as these are often the locations most susceptible to damage in gas transport infrastructur...

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Main Authors: Mandal, TK, Parker, J, Gagliano, M, Martínez-Pañeda, E
Format: Journal article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024
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author Mandal, TK
Parker, J
Gagliano, M
Martínez-Pañeda, E
author_facet Mandal, TK
Parker, J
Gagliano, M
Martínez-Pañeda, E
author_sort Mandal, TK
collection OXFORD
description We combine welding process modelling with deformation–diffusion–fracture (embrittlement) simulations to predict failures in hydrogen transport pipelines. The focus is on the structural integrity of seam welds, as these are often the locations most susceptible to damage in gas transport infrastructure. Finite element analyses are conducted to showcase the ability of the model to predict cracking in pipeline steels exposed to hydrogen-containing environments. The validated model is then employed to quantify critical H<sub>2</sub> fracture pressures. The coupled, phase field-based simulations conducted provide insight into the role of existing defects, microstructural heterogeneity, and residual stresses. We find that under a combination of deleterious yet realistic conditions, the critical pressure at which fracture takes place can be as low as 15 MPa. These results bring new mechanistic insight into the viability of using the existing natural gas pipeline network to transport hydrogen, and the computational framework presented enables mapping the conditions under which this can be achieved safely.
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spelling oxford-uuid:d9faa198-8300-46b2-9bd6-4757056349542024-02-02T17:07:14ZComputational predictions of weld structural integrity in hydrogen transport pipelinesJournal articlehttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_dcae04bcuuid:d9faa198-8300-46b2-9bd6-475705634954EnglishSymplectic ElementsElsevier2024Mandal, TKParker, JGagliano, MMartínez-Pañeda, EWe combine welding process modelling with deformation–diffusion–fracture (embrittlement) simulations to predict failures in hydrogen transport pipelines. The focus is on the structural integrity of seam welds, as these are often the locations most susceptible to damage in gas transport infrastructure. Finite element analyses are conducted to showcase the ability of the model to predict cracking in pipeline steels exposed to hydrogen-containing environments. The validated model is then employed to quantify critical H<sub>2</sub> fracture pressures. The coupled, phase field-based simulations conducted provide insight into the role of existing defects, microstructural heterogeneity, and residual stresses. We find that under a combination of deleterious yet realistic conditions, the critical pressure at which fracture takes place can be as low as 15 MPa. These results bring new mechanistic insight into the viability of using the existing natural gas pipeline network to transport hydrogen, and the computational framework presented enables mapping the conditions under which this can be achieved safely.
spellingShingle Mandal, TK
Parker, J
Gagliano, M
Martínez-Pañeda, E
Computational predictions of weld structural integrity in hydrogen transport pipelines
title Computational predictions of weld structural integrity in hydrogen transport pipelines
title_full Computational predictions of weld structural integrity in hydrogen transport pipelines
title_fullStr Computational predictions of weld structural integrity in hydrogen transport pipelines
title_full_unstemmed Computational predictions of weld structural integrity in hydrogen transport pipelines
title_short Computational predictions of weld structural integrity in hydrogen transport pipelines
title_sort computational predictions of weld structural integrity in hydrogen transport pipelines
work_keys_str_mv AT mandaltk computationalpredictionsofweldstructuralintegrityinhydrogentransportpipelines
AT parkerj computationalpredictionsofweldstructuralintegrityinhydrogentransportpipelines
AT gaglianom computationalpredictionsofweldstructuralintegrityinhydrogentransportpipelines
AT martinezpanedae computationalpredictionsofweldstructuralintegrityinhydrogentransportpipelines