{"title":"Investigations of hydrogen diffusion and embrittlement behavior in tempered high-strength carbon steel AISI 4130","authors":"Yuman Sun, Wenhong Ding, Mingquan Li, Yongshan Li, Xiaoxuan Lu, Zuwei Gan","doi":"10.1016/j.ijpvp.2025.105447","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the role of hydrogen accumulation within microstructure in hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility of tempered AISI 4130 steel. The mechanical properties and fracture behaviors of the steel were investigated using slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) tests. The microstructure was characterized by electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), while the hydrogen distribution within the microstructure was assessed through the hydrogen microprint technique (HMT) test and crystal plasticity finite element modeling. The results demonstrated that hydrogen preferentially accumulates at prior austenite grain (PAG) boundaries in hydrogen pre-charged samples due to heterogeneous stress distribution within the microstructure. The fracture surface morphology analysis of hydrogen-induced cracks (HIC) along PAG boundaries verified the role of stress localization in promoting hydrogen accumulation and initiating HIC, which is characteristic in line with the hydrogen-enhanced decohesion mechanism. This study demonstrated that the HE susceptibility decreases with an increase in tempered temperature from 500 °C to 600 °C, which correlates with a decrease in grain boundary density and the corresponding reduction of the initiation sites of HIC. This correlation is evidenced by the decreased percentage of the brittle area observed in fracture surface morphology. This work provides insights into the intricate interplay between microstructure, hydrogen accumulation, and HE susceptibility in tempered AISI 4130 steel, which can contribute to the development of more reliable high-pressure hydrogen storage vessels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54946,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 105447"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0000,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308016125000171","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study investigated the role of hydrogen accumulation within microstructure in hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility of tempered AISI 4130 steel. The mechanical properties and fracture behaviors of the steel were investigated using slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) tests. The microstructure was characterized by electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD), while the hydrogen distribution within the microstructure was assessed through the hydrogen microprint technique (HMT) test and crystal plasticity finite element modeling. The results demonstrated that hydrogen preferentially accumulates at prior austenite grain (PAG) boundaries in hydrogen pre-charged samples due to heterogeneous stress distribution within the microstructure. The fracture surface morphology analysis of hydrogen-induced cracks (HIC) along PAG boundaries verified the role of stress localization in promoting hydrogen accumulation and initiating HIC, which is characteristic in line with the hydrogen-enhanced decohesion mechanism. This study demonstrated that the HE susceptibility decreases with an increase in tempered temperature from 500 °C to 600 °C, which correlates with a decrease in grain boundary density and the corresponding reduction of the initiation sites of HIC. This correlation is evidenced by the decreased percentage of the brittle area observed in fracture surface morphology. This work provides insights into the intricate interplay between microstructure, hydrogen accumulation, and HE susceptibility in tempered AISI 4130 steel, which can contribute to the development of more reliable high-pressure hydrogen storage vessels.
期刊介绍:
Pressure vessel engineering technology is of importance in many branches of industry. This journal publishes the latest research results and related information on all its associated aspects, with particular emphasis on the structural integrity assessment, maintenance and life extension of pressurised process engineering plants.
The anticipated coverage of the International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping ranges from simple mass-produced pressure vessels to large custom-built vessels and tanks. Pressure vessels technology is a developing field, and contributions on the following topics will therefore be welcome:
• Pressure vessel engineering
• Structural integrity assessment
• Design methods
• Codes and standards
• Fabrication and welding
• Materials properties requirements
• Inspection and quality management
• Maintenance and life extension
• Ageing and environmental effects
• Life management
Of particular importance are papers covering aspects of significant practical application which could lead to major improvements in economy, reliability and useful life. While most accepted papers represent the results of original applied research, critical reviews of topical interest by world-leading experts will also appear from time to time.
International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping is indispensable reading for engineering professionals involved in the energy, petrochemicals, process plant, transport, aerospace and related industries; for manufacturers of pressure vessels and ancillary equipment; and for academics pursuing research in these areas.