Study on hydrogen-induced stress corrosion of 7N01-T4 aluminum alloy for railway vehicles

Abstract 7N01-T4 aluminum alloy is widely applied to high speed train body material attributed its excellent comprehensive mechanical properties; however, sensitivity hydrogen stress corrosion would seriously restrict further application. In this study, the hydrogen-induced of base metal and joint was investigated under slow strain rate test ascertain characteristics mechanism cracking alloy. By applying cathode potential, morphology tensile port studied. Results show that action stress, free atomic produced in process or absorbed diffuses along grain boundary into crack tip region, weakens causes embrittlement, thus accelerating propagation fracture. These properties provide a broader prospect for application high-speed body.