Information about this opportunity
Department/Lab/Unit
FE, department of mechanical engineering, SchweinfurtUniversity of the inviting researcher
TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT
Internship School Year
2025/2026Research lines/projects
Studies have been conducted at the European and national levels in order to upgrade the European gas infrastructure for hydrogen. Based on these studies, standard steel grades for piping and vessels fulfil the requirements. However, high-strength steels in particular have been identified as unsuitable for hydrogen applications. This poses a significant economic and technical challenge to the development of cost-effective hydrogen storage systems and piping, especially for improved efficiency (gas pressure vs thicknesses). The aim of the UNINOVIS study is to identify suitable high-strength steels for hydrogen applications.
Name of inviting researcher
Daniel HoferWho is offering this opportunity?
Inviting researcher email
daniel.hofer@thws.deAcademic Position of the inviting researcher
Prof. Dr.-Ing.Web page/ORCID
https://fm.thws.de/fakultaet/personen/professorinnen-und-professoren/person/prof-dr-ing-daniel-hofer/Who is this opportunity for?
Academic position of invited researcher
Academic and research staffIdeal profile and expertise expected from the invited researcher
Expert in numerical analysis (Finite-Element-Analysis) and modeling of hydrogen-material interactions.
Description and additional information
Strenghts of the offer/Expected benefits
The aim of the study is to improve our understanding of the damage mechanisms caused by hydrogen in high-strength steels. The study will begin with a review of the relevant literature, followed by numerical investigations of the diffusion and damage processes within the material. Application-oriented research facilities for hydrogen are planned at THWS. These would complement the basic research conducted at Sorbonne Paris Nord extremely well. Professor Yann Charles is conducting research on hydrogen diffusion in steel there. Regular exchanges could strengthen the activities of both faculties. Other members of UNINOVIS are invited to participate. The purpose of this exchange is to establish an ongoing collaboration on hydrogen applications between Sorbonne Paris Nord, THWS and the other universities in the UNINOVIS network. This collaboration is intended to translate the results of fundamental research into practical applications, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a resilient, shared energy supply in Europe.
Dates and duration
Minimum length of stay (weeks)
YesMaximum length of stay (weeks)
YesPeriod in which the internship can be made
Summer or winter semester 2026