Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

In collaboration with Safran Landing Systems Canada, this project aims at developing a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) strategy for the detection of Hydrogen Embrittlement (HE) encountered in landing gears. Despite the efforts made to understand the hydrogen embrittlement problem, satisfactory methods of detection are still lacking. Early detection of the HE during manufacturing will eliminate the financial loss associated with further processing and prevent catastrophic failure of landing gears. With the current state of the problem, Safran is interested in advancing the search for satisfactory and feasible HE detection techniques. The primary scope is to determine the physical properties (e.g. thermal, electrical, magnetic) that are the most sensitive to the presence of hydrogen. Detecting hydrogen footprint through its effect on the physical properties of the landing gear steel is feasible unlike trying to detect the amount of hydrogen dissolved in the material.In this project, necessary studies for the development of an NDT technique based on physical property testing that can be applied during manufacturing will be carried out. This will enable monitoring the effect of hydrogen on physical and mechanical properties of landing gear materials and will enable observing the largest change in physical properties associated with loss of ductility and embrittlement. Laboratory scale experiments will be conducted and complimented with understanding the current industrial practices at Safran. This project will cover a wide range of expertise in materials & surface engineering, material processing, physical and mechanical properties & testing and failure analysis. All necessary equipment are available at the applicants' laboratories. This project will finally propose to Safran and other aerospace industries potential solutions for the long lasting hydrogen embrittlement detection problem. The research will provide technological and economic benefits to Canadian businesses in the aerospace sector along with other engineering applications such as pipeline failures in oil and gas industry.