Blanca Fernández Amado

I am a civil engineer and a doctoral candidate at the University of A Coruña, where I am part of the Numerical Methods in Engineering Group (GMNI). My research focuses on the geomechanical analysis of salt caverns for underground hydrogen storage, a key technology for the energy transition.

I use numerical modeling based on the finite element method, integrating elastic, poroelastic, and viscoplastic approaches. My models allow me to evaluate the stability of cavities under cyclic loading conditions, considering pressure and temperature variations. I study how salt creep, thermal effects, and fluid-structure interaction affect the long-term integrity of these structures.

The results contribute to the design and safe operation of large-scale hydrogen storage systems, optimizing their technical and economic viability in a context of decarbonization and energy security.