The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), a research and technology organisation at the forefront of manufacturing innovation, has partnered with Loughborough University to fast‑track the development of hydrogen‑compatible systems for aerospace, automotive and power generation.
The collaboration through EnerHy, the EPSRC Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero Centre for Doctoral Training, led by Loughborough University, will advance the design and manufacture of liquid and gaseous hydrogen machinery, improving reliability, efficiency and safety across critical components and interfaces.
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The research will be centred within the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering and the Department of Materials, which lead cutting‑edge research into sustainable high‑performance materials for tribology and hydrogen interface engineering. Complementary experimental and demonstrator work will be conducted at MTC’s facilities at Ansty Park in Coventry. Activities will be led respectively by Mahdi Mohammadpour and MTC senior research engineer Carrie Goodwin.
Drawing on the Wolfson School’s strengths in tribology and multi‑body dynamics, and the university’s growing hydrogen capability – including large‑scale facilities and programmes dedicated to hydrogen materials and systems – the partnership will combine high‑fidelity simulation, rigorous experimentation and industrial demonstrators to tackle challenges such as thermal contraction, hydrogen embrittlement, permeability and cryogenic sealing, as well as pressure‑cycle fatigue and the effects of hydrogen on welds, coatings and joints.
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Founded with Loughborough University as a core partner, MTC plays a national role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, proving and scaling advanced manufacturing processes and technologies across sectors through the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Its Ansty Park campus houses some of the most advanced equipment in Europe, enabling industry to de‑risk adoption and accelerate impact.
‘This new research partnership with EnerHy CDT brings the best of the MTC’s manufacturing and design expertise together with Loughborough’s world‑class skills in tribology and materials to fast‑track hydrogen‑ready systems,’ Goodwin said. ‘Through design, material development and innovative engineering techniques, it aims to provide UK manufacturers with advanced solutions to complex technical challenges.’
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‘Loughborough has a long tradition of working in partnership to translate leading research insights into manufacturable design,’ Mohammadpour added. ‘By uniting advanced modelling, controlled experimentation and real‑world demonstrators, we will deliver robust interfaces and materials that enable hydrogen systems to scale across aerospace, automotive and power generation.’
A fully funded research studentship is available as part of this project. Applications are now open for UK candidates with a strong academic background and a passion for advancing hydrogen technologies.
Further details are available on the EnerHy website.