Labs in Kyushu University, Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Research

0 student voices

A hydrogen storage systems lab that elucidates the hydrogen embrittlement of metallic materials.

The Hydrogen Storage Systems Lab studies the hydrogen embrittlement of metallic materials used in hydrogen gas environments. In addition to elucidating the mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement, the lab works to establish selection criteria for metallic materials and strength design methods for equipment that uses hydrogen. Using equipment such as apparatus that can run material tests in high-pressure hydrogen gas, students operate the equipment themselves and carry out experiments. The lab is also introduced on its website under the name "Matsunaga Lab."

#Hydrogen embrittlement #Fatigue crack growth #Strength design

0 student voices

A lab that explores water electrolysis, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells from the standpoint of materials.

The Advanced Hydrogen Systems Lab aims to combine renewable energy and hydrogen energy, and studies the whole chain from hydrogen production by water electrolysis to hydrogen storage and power generation in fuel cells. Its main subjects are polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) for automobiles, polymer electrolyte water electrolysis cells, and hydrogen storage using metal hydrides. Focusing on electrocatalysts, which determine fuel cell performance, the lab covers everything from materials design at the nanometer scale to the fabrication and evaluation of devices. Applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including mechanical engineering, electrochemistry, materials engineering, and chemistry, are welcome.

#Fuel cells #Water electrolysis #Hydrogen storage

0 student voices

The lab works toward the safety of mechanical structures by studying metal fatigue and the strength of materials.

With the ultimate goal of making mechanical structures operate "safely," the Solid Mechanics Lab studies the strength of materials and how they fail. Its basic evaluation model is the Stress-Strength Model, which compares the stress generated in a mechanical structure with the strength of the material. Because many problems remain unsolved on the strength side, the lab conducts experiments and analyses from the viewpoint of micromechanics and connects the results to computational science methods. Taking into account failures caused by several factors combining, the lab also studies methods for preventing failures of real-world mechanical systems, such as automobiles, at the development stage.

#Metal fatigue #Hydrogen embrittlement #Fracture mechanics

0 student voices

A tribology lab that explores the mechanisms of friction and lubrication.

The Tribology Lab specializes in tribology, the field that deals with problems of friction, wear, and lubrication. In collaboration with universities, research institutes, and companies in Japan and abroad, the lab works on everything from basic research into phenomena occurring at sliding surfaces to solving practical problems. The lab also holds "Tribology Discussion Meetings" that invite outside speakers to present topics. It welcomes motivated students and prospective postdoctoral researchers, both from inside and outside the university.

#Tribology #Elastohydrodynamic lubrication #In situ observation

0 student voices

A lab that investigates the strength of tiny materials such as metal thin films.

With the ultimate goal of making mechanical structures operate "safely," the Solid Mechanics Lab investigates strength through experiments and analysis from the viewpoint of micromechanics. To elucidate the strength of tiny metallic materials, Associate Professor Toshiyuki Kondo experimentally evaluates tensile behavior, fatigue, and creep, mainly in metal thin films. One of the research themes is fundamental research on fatigue fracture of free-standing copper thin films. The lab strives to develop people who can find problems, solve them creatively, and demonstrate leadership.

#Thin films #Copper #Fatigue

0 student voices

〈高分子複合材料トライボロジー〉 (introduction coming soon)

Tribological properties of polymer composites in hydrogen atmospheres (resin composites, friction, wear, piston rings)

0 student voices

A materials strength lab that studies how hydrogen affects the strength of metallic materials.

The Hydrogen-Compatible Materials and Fracture Science Lab conducts experimental research on material strength, focusing on how hydrogen affects the strength of metallic materials (hydrogen embrittlement). The lab also studies the prevention of hydrogen embrittlement using impurities, as well as creep deformation in high-temperature hydrogen. Prof. Kubota is affiliated with the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research, and conducts research with mechanical engineering students in a lab set up in both the undergraduate Department of Mechanical Engineering and the graduate Department of Mechanical Engineering. For bachelor's and master's theses, the lab respects students' independence and designs research so that they gain a broad range of skills, including building electric circuits and programming, machining test specimens, and presenting results.

#Hydrogen embrittlement #Fretting fatigue #Creep in high-temperature hydrogen

0 student voices

A lab that studies the thermophysical properties of hydrogen and refrigerants and also works on hydrogen refueling technology.

Prof. Sakoda's lab studies the thermophysical properties of high-pressure hydrogen, refrigerants, and fluid mixtures. Focusing on low-GWP refrigerants, which have a low global warming potential (GWP), the lab measures pressure-density-temperature relationships, vapor pressure, and other properties. The lab also investigates the thermophysical properties of high-pressure hydrogen and works on developing technology for refueling fuel cell vehicles with hydrogen. Faculty members are affiliated with the Hydrogen Transport and Storage Division of the Sustainable Hydrogen Research Institute.

#Thermophysical properties #Low-GWP refrigerants #High-pressure hydrogen

0 student voices

A lab that studies friction and wear, from joint lubrication to wear in hydrogen.

The Design Engineering Lab focuses on "soft" advanced materials, such as biomaterials and soft matter, and "soft" mechanisms, such as phase transitions and mechanical bifurcation phenomena. Specifically, it studies how biological joints move smoothly, resin materials used in artificial joints, and the friction and wear of sealing resins in hydrogen atmospheres. Through joint research with overseas research groups, the lab also invites researchers and sends students abroad. On the lab's website, it is introduced under the name "Design Engineering Lab."

#Tribology #Artificial joints #Hydrogen environments

0 student voices

The lab explores the structure and properties of polymer surfaces and interfaces at the molecular level.

The Tanaka Lab aims to create new functions by understanding and controlling the structure and properties of organic polymer materials at the molecular level. As materials become smaller and thinner, surfaces and interfaces account for a larger proportion of the material, and phenomena different from those in the bulk interior appear. The lab conducts experimental research centered on polymer science, physical chemistry, and surface and interface science. The lab carries out joint research with companies, research institutions, and universities, and also uses large facilities such as synchrotron radiation and neutron sources when needed.

#Polymers #Surfaces and interfaces #Adhesion