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Hydrogen Embrittlement

When tensile stresses are applied to a hydrogen embrittled component it may fail prematurely.  Hydrogen embrittlement failures are frequently unexpected and sometimes catastrophic.  An externally applied load is not required as the tensile stresses may be due to residual stresses in the material.  The threshold stresses to cause cracking are commonly below the yield stress of the material.

High strength steel, such as quenched and tempered steels or precipitation hardened steels are particularly susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement.   Hydrogen can be introduced into the material in service or during materials processing.   

Hydrogen Embrittlement Failures

Tensile stresses, susceptible material, and the presence of hydrogen are necessary to cause hydrogen embrittlement.  Residual stresses or externally applied loads resulting in stresses significantly below yield stresses can cause cracking.  Thus, catastrophic failure can occur without significant deformation or obvious deterioration of the component. 

Very small amounts of hydrogen can cause hydrogen embrittlement in high strength steels.  Common causes of hydrogen embrittlement are pickling, electroplating and welding, however hydrogen embrittlement is not limited to these processes.  

Hydrogen embrittlement is an insidious type of failure as it can occur without an externally applied load or at loads significantly below yield stress.  While high strength steels are the most common case of hydrogen embrittlement all materials are susceptible.  

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Last modified: September 11, 2007