Jet engines powered by hydrogen are poised to revolutionize aviation with their potential to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional kerosene-fueled aircraft.

Researchers at ETH Zurich have taken significant steps toward this by understanding and tackling the unique challenges associated with hydrogen combustion.

In jet engines, the combustion of hydrogen creates compact flames that necessitate careful design to prevent destructive vibrations. These vibrations can result from sound waves interacting with the flames, imposing stress on engine materials and potentially leading to structural failures. ETH researchers have tested the behavior of hydrogen injection nozzles under simulated flight conditions, an important contribution to minimizing such risks.

ETH Zurich’s advanced testing facility allows engineers to replicate engine conditions experienced at cruising altitudes. By studying hydrogen flames in controlled environments, researchers can predict potential vibrations and work to optimize engine designs. This research supports efforts at GE Aerospace to refine engine components for hydrogen-powered flight, bringing practical hydrogen aviation closer.

Hydrogen offers a compelling advantage over batteries due to its lighter weight and efficiency for long-haul flights. While batteries may power small, short-range aircraft in the future, hydrogen is viewed as the more viable alternative for larger commercial jets. Hydrogen stored in cryogenic tanks provides the necessary energy without the weight that would otherwise make battery-powered long-distance aviation impractical.