The Mechanics of Hydride Formation and Embrittlement

Abstract

Transient hydrogen diffusion and hydride formation coupled with material deformation are studied in a hydride forming system. The concept of terminal solid solubility of hydrogen as affected by stress is described and the mode of hydrogen diffusion through the two-phase material (matrix+hydride) is discussed. Probabilistic precipitation of hydride is modeled in the neighborhood of a crack tip under mode I plane strain loading and a uniform initial hydrogen concentration below the stress free terminal solid solubility. A full transient finite element analysis allows for numerical monitoring of the development and expansion of the hydride zone. Information about the shape, size, and density of the hydride in the hydride zone is obtained. The mechanistic effects of the solute hydrogen and hydride formation on the stresses at the crack tip are analyzed and their consequence on the fracture toughness resistance of the material is calculated.