Hydrogen in metals: Participation of WOT in the university internship in Bochum
Hydrogen continues to gain in importance as part of the energy transition and sustainable technologies. At the same time, it poses new challenges for materials and technical systems. Current research topics at the WOT professorship are concerned with the development and long-term behaviour of bipolar plates in fuel cells and the effect of hydrogen on system components in thermal engineering systems. Against this background, the university internship served to deepen and expand knowledge in a key future topic.
On 10 and 11 February 2026, the university practical course Hydrogen in Metals took place at the Ruhr University Bochum. The main topics were hydrogen-induced damage mechanisms, hydrogen analysis methods and mechanical material testing under the influence of hydrogen. The university practical course was organised by Euro-Labor GmbH in cooperation with the German Society for Materials Science (DGM). The numerous technical presentations dealt with the interaction between hydrogen and metallic materials and the resulting effects such as embrittlement and cracking. In addition, real cases of damage were presented, which were used to discuss procedures for systematic damage analysis.
The Chair of WOT would like to thank the participants for the excellently organised event and the opportunity to deepen existing knowledge and gain insights into current methods and issues in dealing with hydrogen in metallic materials.
Photo: Participants and speakers at the Hydrogen in Metals 2026 university internship at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (Photo: Jens Jürgensen). The WOT professorship was represented by Mrs Jana Martini.
16.4.2026 – Events of the professorship ( jana.martini@mb… )
