A fast fracture approach to assess hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility and mechanism(s) of high strength martensitic steels

A rapid fracture test in four-point bending is proposed to assess hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility of high strength martensitic steels. The novelty this technique the rate loading, whereas conventional approaches require prolonged slow strain testing. essential fractographic features required identify mechanisms HE failure remain evident, despite fast loading conditions. To demonstrate these attributes, two quenched and tempered steels at different levels were tested, with without pre-charging hydrogen. Stress coupled diffusion finite element analysis (FEA) was performed calculate both stress concentration distributions. In addition analysis, a mechanistic description rooted enhanced decohesion (HEDE) mechanism used corroborate mechanical data. study shows that approach capable quantifying by being responsive key factors affecting induced fracture, thus developing further understanding on