FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH MODELING FOR PIPELINE CARBON STEELS UNDER GASEOUS HYDROGEN CONDITIONS

The increasing global emphasis on clean energy systems has positioned hydrogen as a key energy carrier within the transition to more sustainable energy infrastructures. However, the safe and reliable transportation of hydrogen, particularly through high-strength steel pipelines, presents critical technical challenges associated with hydrogen embrittlement (HE) and its impact on the structural integrity of metallic components. Hydrogen embrittlement reduces ductility and fracture toughness, promoting fatigue crack growth and compromising the reliability of pipelines under cyclic and static loads. This research addresses this pressing issue by developing a robust computational framework to improve the predictive accuracy of fatigue crack growth simulations in pipelines exposed to hydrogen-rich environments.

The project aims to integrate advanced adaptive remeshing algorithms into finite element models to enhance the prediction of crack propagation in hydrogen-assisted cracking scenarios. The methodology includes the development of a refined model with adaptive mesh control, the incorporation of key factors such as hydrogen concentration and material properties, and validation against fracture mechanics standards like ASME B31.12 and API 579-1/ASME FFS-1. The model will simulate crack growth in hydrogen-exposed pipelines, correlating results with the Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) to assess structural integrity and remaining service life. This research will improve crack growth simulation accuracy, supporting safer and more sustainable hydrogen transport systems.

This project directly supports Colombia’s national energy transition strategy, which aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and integrate hydrogen into the energy matrix, as outlined in policies such as Law 2099 of 2021 and Decree 1476 of 2022. The research is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by advancing technological capabilities that ensure the secure transport of hydrogen as a clean energy vector. Furthermore, this work will strengthen the role of Universidad de La Sabana as a leader in applied research on hydrogen infrastructure safety and integrity, while contributing to the advancement of engineering knowledge on a global scale.

Main objective
Enhance the predictive accuracy and reliability of the computational finite element model for simulating fatigue crack growth in hydrogen-exposed pipelines through the integration of advanced remeshing algorithms, with a focus on improving crack path prediction in hydrogen-induced cracking scenarios and maintaining mesh quality during crack propagation simulations.