Abstract
In response to the aviation industry’s goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, this study examines the performance of Inconel 718 under conditions relevant to hydrogen-powered aircraft engines. Mechanical testing shows that at cryogenic temperatures (77 K), the 718 alloy displays improved strength and ductility, making it suitable for low-temperature applications. However, exposure to hydrogen gas at moderate pressures (60 and 150 bar) at room temperature significantly reduces both its strength and ductility, with fractography revealing a shift from ductile to brittle fracture modes. These results highlight 718 alloy’s good potential for cryogenic use, but also its vulnerability to hydrogen embrittlement, underlining the importance of further research on material compatibility for hydrogen aviation.