Abstract
This paper evaluates, by quantitative fractography and image analysis techniques, the hydrogen embrittlement and microdamage in notched samples of 316L steel, the described phenomenon affecting the structural integrity, durability and safety of the pipelines made with such a material. After the hydrogen embrittlement tests, it is seen that microdamage created by hydrogen is concentrated in an external circumferential ring with the same center as the cross sectional area of the notched samples. The microscopical appearance of this embrittled zone or damaged area is very rough and irregular at the micro-scale, with evidence of secondary cracking, in contrast with the smooth surface (at the micro-scale) created by micro-void coalescence (dimpled fracture) in the inner core which is not embrittled by hydrogen and fails by mechanical reasons. In addition, differences are observed in the matter of the appearance of the hydrogen-assisted microdamage area as a function of the notch geometry and of the embrittlement time.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Spanish Office for Scientific and Technological Research (CICYT) under Grant MAT91-0113-CE. Funds were also provided by EURATOM as a part of the European Fusion Technology Programme (Task PSM5: “Hydrogen Effects and Water Corrosion in Reference 316 L Steel and Welds”, Sub-Task PSM 5-1: “316L H Embrittlement—Notch Effect”). The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of both organizations, as well as the encouragement of Drs. J. L. Boutard and P. Lorenzetto (THE NEAT TEAM) and Dr. E. Hodgson (CIEMAT).
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Toribio, J., Ayaso, J. (2021). Hydrogen Embrittlement and Microdamage of 316L Steel Affecting the Structural Integrity, Durability and Safety of Pipelines. In: Bolzon, G., Gabetta, G., Nykyforchyn, H. (eds) Degradation Assessment and Failure Prevention of Pipeline Systems. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 102. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58073-5_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58073-5_11
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