scope:

PURPOSE AND USE

This report is intended to answer three specific questions related to the use of specific materials and composite-reinforced pressure vessel designs for the transportation of compressed hydrogen at pressures up to 103 MPa (15,000 psi). The individual studies involve:

• Determining the propensity for hydrogen embrittlement to occur in AA6061-T6 aluminum alloy material typically used as a liner in composite-reinforced cylinder designs.

• Determining whether the manufacture of composite-reinforced pressure vessels of relatively long length over thin-wall metallic liners or plastic liners can result in sagging of the vessels, thus affecting the tension in the filament winding process.

• Identifying test methods that can be used to establish the long-term performance of non-metallic materials exposed to high-pressure hydrogen environments.