The role of atomic hydrogen and hydrogen-induced martensites in hydrogen embrittlement of type 304L stainless steel

The role of atomic hydrogen and hydrogen-induced martensites in hydrogen embrittlement in slow strain rate tensile tests and hydrogen-induced delayed cracking (HIC) in sustained load tests for type 304 L stainless steel was quantitatively studied.The results indicated that hydrogen-induced martensites formed when hydrogen concentration C0 exceeded 30 ppm,and increased with an increase in C0,i.e.M(vol%)=62-82.5exp(-C0/102).The relative plasticity loss caused by the martensites increased linearly with increasing amount of the martensites,i.e.Iδ(M),%=0.45M(vol %)=27.9-37.1 exp(-C0/102).The plasticity loss caused by atomic hydrogen Iδ(H) increased with an increase in C0 and reached a saturation value Iδ(H)max=40% when C0>100 ppm.Iδ(H) decreased with an increase in strain rate ,i.e.Iδ(H),%=-21.9-9.9,and was zero when ≥c=0.032/s.HIC under sustained load was due to atomic hydrogen,and the threshold stress intensity for HIC decreased linearly with lnC0,i.e.KIH(Mpam1/2)=91.7-10.1 lnC0(ppm).The fracture surface of HIC was dimple if KI was high or/and C0 was low,otherwise it was quasi-cleavage.The boundary line between ductile and brittle fracture surface was KI-54+25exp(-C0/153)=0.

Pre-existing orthorhombic embryos-induced hexagonal-orthorhombic martensitic transformation in MnNiSi_(1-x)(CoNiGe)_x alloy

The thermal-elastic martensitic transformation from high-temperature Ni_(2)In-type hexagonal structure to low-temperature TiNiSi-type orthorhombic structure has been widely studied in MnMX(M=Ni or Co,and X=Ge or Si)alloys.However,the answer to how the orthorhombic martensite nucleates and grows within the hexagonal parent is still unclear.In this work,the hexagonal-orthorhombic martensitic transformation in a Co and Ge co-substituted MnNiSi is investigated.One can find some orthorhombic laths embedded in the hexagonal parent at a temperature above the martensitic transformation start temperature(M_(s)).With the the sample cooing to M_(s),the laths turn broader,indicating that the martensitic transformation starts from these pre-existing orthorhombic laths.Microstructure observation suggests that these pre-existing orthorhombic laths do not originate from the hexagonal-orthorhombic martensitic transformation because of the difference between atomic occupations of doping elements in the hexagonal parent and those in the preexisting orthorhombic laths.The phenomenological crystallographic theory and experimental investigations prove that the pre-existing orthorhombic lath and generated orthorhombic martensite have the same crystallography relationship to the hexagonal parent.Therefore,the orthorhombic martensite can take these pre-existing laths as embryos and grow up.This work implies that the martensitic transformation in MnNiSi_(1-x)(CoNiGe)_(x) alloy is initiated by orthorhombic embryos.

Description of martensitic transformation kinetics in Fe-C-X(X = Ni,Cr,Mn,Si) system by a modified model

Controlling the content of athermal martensite and retained austenite is important to improving the mechanical properties of high-strength steels,but a mechanism for the accurate description of martensitic transformation during the cooling process must be addressed.At present,frequently used semi-empirical kinetics models suffer from huge errors at the beginning of transformation,and most of them fail to exhibit the sigmoidal shape characteristic of transformation curves.To describe the martensitic transformation process accurately,based on the Magee model,we introduced the changes in the nucleation activation energy of martensite with temperature,which led to the varying nucleation rates of this model during martensitic transformation.According to the calculation results,the relative error of the modified model for the martensitic transformation kinetics curves of Fe-C-X(X = Ni,Cr,Mn,Si) alloys reached 9.5% compared with those measured via the thermal expansion method.The relative error was approximately reduced by two-thirds compared with that of the Magee model.The incorporation of nucleation activation energy into the kinetics model contributes to the improvement of its precision.

Grain boundary engineering for enhancing intergranular damage resistance of ferritic/martensitic steel P92

Ferritic/martensitic(F/M)steel is widely used as a structural material in thermal and nuclear power plants.However,it is susceptible to intergranular damage,which is a critical issue,under service conditions.In this study,to improve the resistance to intergranular damage of F/M steel,a thermomechanical process(TMP)was employed to achieve a grain boundary engineering(GBE)microstructure in F/M steel P92.The TMP,including cold-rolling thickness reduction of 6%,9%,and 12%,followed by austenitization at 1323 K for 40 min and tempering at 1053 K for 45 min,was applied to the as-received(AR)P92 steel.The prior austenite grain(PAG)size,prior austenite grain boundary character distribution(GBCD),and connectivity of prior austenite grain boundaries(PAGBs)were investigated.Compared to the AR specimen,the PAG size did not change significantly.The fraction of coincident site lattice boundaries(CSLBs,3≤Σ≤29)and Σ3^(n) boundaries along PAGBs decreased with increasing reduction ratio because the recrystallization fraction increased with increasing reduction ratio.The PAGB connectivity of the 6%deformed specimen slightly deteriorated compared with that of the AR specimen.Moreover,potentiodynamic polarization studies revealed that the intergranular damage resistance of the studied steel could be improved by increasing the fraction of CSLBs along the PAGBs,indicating that the TMP,which involves low deformation,could enhance the intergranular damage resistance.

Effect of nanosized NbC precipitates on hydrogen-induced cracking of high-strength low-alloy steel

We investigated the effect of nanosized NbC precipitates on hydrogen-induced cracking(HIC)of high-strength low-alloy steel by conducting slow-strain-rate tensile tests(SSRT)and performing continuous hydrogen charging and fracture analysis.The results reveal that the HIC resistance of Nb-bearing steel is obviously superior to that of Nb-free steel,with the fractured Nb-bearing steel in the SSRT exhibiting a smaller ratio of elongation reduction(Iδ).However,as the hydrogen traps induced by NbC precipitates approach hydrogen saturation,the effect of the precipitates on the HIC resistance attenuate.We speculate that the highly dispersed nanosized NbC precipitates act as irreversible hydrogen traps that hinder the accumulation of hydrogen at potential crack nucleation sites.In addition,much like Nb-free steel,the Nb-bearing steel exhibits both H-solution strengthening and the resistance to HIC.

Hydrogen-induced cracking behaviors of Incoloy alloy 825

The effect of hydrogen on the fractttre behaviors of Incoloy alloy 825 was investigated by means of slow strain rate testing （SSRT） Hydrogen was introduced into the sample by electrochemical charging. The results show that surface microcracks form gradually during ag- ing at room temperature when desorption of hydrogen takes place after hydrogen charging at a current density of 5 mA/cm^2 for 24 h. SSRT shows that the increase of ductility loss is significantly obvious as the hydrogen charging current density increases. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） images reveal ductile fracture in the pre-charged sample with low current densities, while the fracture includes small quasi-cleavage regions and tends to be brittle fracture as the hydrogen charging current density increases to 5 mA/cm^2.

Investigation on hydrogen-induced cracking susceptibility of HG980D steel with yield strength 900 MPa

In this paper, the microstructure and hardness of HG980D heat-affected zone （HAZ） at different cooling rate t8/3 were studied, the implant critical fracture stress under three diffusible hydrogen conditions were measured, and the hydrogeninduced cracking （H1C） fructograph of steel HG980D were analyzed, The experimental results show that martensite exists in HAZ of HG980D till ts/3 ≥ 150 s, the harden quenching tendency of HG980D is greater; The implant critical fracture stress is related to difJhsible hydrogen content significantly, at low hydrogen level, high restraint stress is needed to nucleate HIC, the fraetograph is mainly mierovoid coalescence, bat at high hydrogen level, only small restraint stress can cause H1C occurrence, the fractograph is mainly quasicleavage. It is very important to choose ultra-low hydrogen welding consumable to weld steel HG980D to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking.

NUCLEATION AND GROWTH OF FERROUS MARTENSITES ALONG BOUNDARIES

Martensites distributed along the austenite grain boundaries and twin boundaries have been examined in Fe-C,Fe-Ni-C and Fe-Cr-Mn-Mo-C alloys.The martensites may nucleate preferentially and grow easily along these boundaries.In the mixed martensites,the preferentially formed one is plate or butterfly martensite

NUCLEATION AND GPOWTH OF FERROUS MARTENSITES

In situ observations of the nucleation and growth of ferrous martensites,including ε-, lenticular,butterfly,thin-plate and composite-plate ones at low temperature stage on optical or transmission electron microscope were carried out.The results confirmed the faulting model for the formation of ε-martensite proposed by Olso and Cohen.The grain boundaries and tri- ple points are the favourable nucleation sites for the thin plates,and their surface relief grown initially like a small needle.The lenticular martensite was observed as two stages of formation.According to the dislocation resolving reaction. (a/6)[111]_b→(a/3)[]_b+(a/2)[111]_b,the emission dislocation(=(a/2)[111]_b)acting as the dislocation source for the transition of lattice invariant shear from twinning to slip was proposed.

Morphology and Effect of Pre-deformation on Martensites by Colored Metaliography August 24,1990

The colored metallography was used to inves- tigate the morphology of martensite in Fe-Ni-C al- loys.By compression deformation martensite trans- forms from lenticular to thin-plate.It is proved that the bended and broken martensites are inher- ent from compressive predeformation of austenite.

Threshold Stress Intensity of Hydrogen-Induced Cracking and Stress Corrosion Cracking of High Strength Steel

The threshold stress intensity of stress corrosion cracking(SCC) for 40 CrMo steel in 3.5%NaCl solution decreased exponentially with the increase of yield strength.The threshold stress intensity of hydrogen-induced cracking during dynamical charging for 40 CrMo steel decreased linearly with the logarithm of the concentration of diffusible hydrogen.This equation was also applicable to SCC of high strength steel in aqueous solution.The critical hydrogen enrichment concentration necessary for SCC of high strength steel in water decreased exponentially with the increase of yield strength.Based on the results,the relationship between K_(ISCC) and σ_(ys) could be deduced.

First-principles calculations of Ni–(Co)–Mn–Cu–Ti all-d-metal Heusler alloy on martensitic transformation,mechanical and magnetic properties

The martensitic transformation,mechanical,and magnetic properties of the Ni_(2)Mn_(1.5-x)Cu_(x)Ti_(0.5) (x=0.125,0.25,0.375,0.5) and Ni_(2-y)Co_(y)Mn_(1.5-x)Cu_(x)Ti_(0.5)[(x=0.125,y=0.125,0.25,0.375,0.5) and (x=0.125,0.25,0.375,y=0.625)]alloys were systematically studied by the first-principles calculations.For the formation energy,the martensite is smaller than the austenite,the Ni–(Co)–Mn–Cu–Ti alloys studied in this work can undergo martensitic transformation.The austenite and non-modulated (NM) martensite always present antiferromagnetic state in the Ni_(2)Mn_(1.5-x)Cu_(x)Ti_(0.5) and Ni_(2-y)Co_(y)Mn_(1.5-x)Cu_(x)Ti_(0.5) (y<0.625) alloys.When y=0.625 in the Ni_(2-y)Co_(y)Mn_(1.5-x)Cu_(x)Ti_(0.5) series,the austenite presents ferromagnetic state while the NM martensite shows antiferromagnetic state.Cu doping can decrease the thermal hysteresis and anisotropy of the Ni–(Co)–Mn–Ti alloy.Increasing Mn and decreasing Ti content can improve the shear resistance and normal stress resistance,but reduce the toughness in the Ni–Mn–Cu–Ti alloy.And the ductility of the Co–Cu co-doping alloy is inferior to that of the Ni–Mn–Cu–Ti and Ni–Co–Mn–Ti alloys.The electronic density of states was studied to reveal the essence of the mechanical and magnetic properties.

Hydrogen Embrittlement of Nitrogenating Layer on Martensitic Alloys

Nitriding of the surface in martensitic stainless steels is commonly carried out to improve their wear resistance. The process of plasma nitriding in stainless steel is influenced by two mechanisms: physical diffusion through the surface and chemical gas-metal reaction. The inner nitriding interaction involves the simultaneous penetration and formation of a solid solution, as well as the interaction of nitrogen with specific alloying elements, resulting in the development of homogeneous and heterogeneous structures. Our study concludes that the observed intergranular hydrogen embrittlement and crack formation during the surface nitridation process of AMS 5719 martensite alloy steel can be attributed to the ammonium concentration of approximately 50% at a temperature of 530˚C.

Simulation of the Behaviour Laws in the Thermal Affected Zones of the 13Cr-4Ni Martensitic Stainless Steel

During the welding, many phenomena occur. The materials deform under the action of residual stresses. This tendency is due to the high gradients of temperature during the process. These deformations are really difficult for many professionals operating in the area. In the goal to predict these variations, one has established the behaviour laws which will be applied to evaluate residual stresses and strains. This research is focused on the study of the Thermal Affected Zone (TAZ) during the welding of the 13Cr-4Ni martensitic stainless steel. The TAZ does not know any change of state (solid/liquid). It only knows the metallurgical phase change (austenite/martensite). There are three types of behaviour laws in this study: thermal, mechanical and metallurgical behaviour laws. The thermal behaviour law serves to evaluate the temperature field which induces the mechanical strains. The mechanical behaviour law serves to evaluate spherical stress (pressure) and deviatoric stress which compose the residual stress. It also helps to measure the total strain. The metallurgical behaviour law serves for the evaluation of the metallurgical phase proportions. To validate the modelling developed in this study, one has made the simulations to compare the results obtained with the analytical and experimental data.

Predicting the Volume Fraction of Martensite in Welded Mild Steel Joint Reinforced with Titanium Alloy Powder

Welded mild steel is used in different applications in engineering. To strengthen the joint, the weld can be reinforced by adding titanium alloy powder to the joint. This results in the formation of incomplete martensite in a welded joint. The incomplete martensite affects mechanical properties. Therefore, this study aims to predict the volume fraction of martensite in reinforced butt welded joints to understand complex phenomena during microstructure formation. To do so, a combination of the finite element method to predict temperature history, and the Koistinen and Marburger equation, were used to predict the volume fraction of martensite. The martensite start temperature was calculated using chemical elements obtained from the dilution-based mixture rule. The curve shape of martensite evolution was observed to be relatively linear due to the small quantity of martensite volume fraction. The simulated result correlated with experimental work documented in the literature. The model can be used in other powder addition techniques where the martensite can be observed in the final microstructure.

Effect of low-temperature tempering on the mechanical properties of cold-rolled martensitic steel

Cold-rolled martensitic steel is an important type of advanced high-strength steel for automobile production.With martensite as its primary microstructure constituent, martensitic steel possesses exceptional high strength despite its low alloy content.As the strength of cold-rolled martensitic steel increases, the martensite and carbon content also increases, leading to a decrease in bending properties and toughness.In this paper, the effect of various tempering parameters on the bending property and impact toughness of a quenched cold-rolled martensitic steel sheet was studied.It is found that after quenching, the ductility and impact toughness of the experimental steel are improved using low-temperature heat treatment.The optimal tempering conditions for ductility and toughness are analyzed.

Effects of Orthogonal Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of GN9 Ferritic/Martensitic Steel

Microstructure and mechanical properties of GN9 Ferritic/Martensitic steel for sodium-cooled fast reactors have been investigated through orthogonal design and analysis.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),differential scanning calorimeter(DSC),tensile and impact tests were used to evaluate the heat treatment parameters on yield strength,elongation and ductile-to-brittle transition temperature(DBTT).The results indicate that the microstructures of GN9 steel after orthogonal heat treatments consist of tempered martensite,M23C6,MX carbides and MX carbonitrides.The average prior austenite grains increase and the lath width decreases with the austenitizing temperature increasing from 1000°C to 1080°C.Tempering temperature is the most important factor that influences the dislocation evolution,yield strength and elongation compared with austenitizing tempera-ture and cooling methods.Austenitizing temperature,tempering temperature and cooling methods show interactive effects on DBTT.Carbide morphology and distribution,which is influenced by austenitizing and tempering tempera-tures,is the critical microstructural factor that influences the Charpy impact energy and DBTT.Based on the orthogo-nal design and microstructural analysis,the optimal heat treatment of GN9 steel is austenitizing at 1000°C for 0.5 h followed by air cooling and tempering at 760°C for 1.5 h.

微合金化低碳马氏体钢的显微组织及力学性能

制备了钛、铌和钼等元素掺杂的微合金化低碳马氏体钢,并对其进行热轧+880℃淬火+不同温度(170,190,210,230,250℃)回火处理,研究了不同热处理态试验钢的显微组织、拉伸性能和冲击性能,以190℃回火态钢为例分析了强韧化机制。结果表明:热轧态试验钢由铁素体和贝氏体组成,淬火态试验钢由铁素体和马氏体组成,不同温度回火态试验钢均由回火马氏体和少量铁素体组成,回火态试验钢的铁素体面积分数在15%~20%,低于热轧态和淬火态;淬火态试验钢的抗拉强度和布氏硬度最高;随着回火温度升高,回火态试验钢的抗拉强度和布氏硬度下降,断后伸长率、屈服强度和冲击吸收功均先增大后减小;190℃回火态试验钢的断后伸长率和冲击吸收功最高,拉伸断口和冲击断口处纤维区中韧窝占比最高,抗拉强度、布氏硬度和屈服强度适中,综合力学性能最好;190℃回火态试验钢中析出的纳米级小尺寸(Ti,Nb,Mo,Cr)C相起到沉淀强化作用,纳米级大尺寸(Ti,Nb,Mo,Cr)C相起细晶强化作用,大角度晶界占比较高,提高了裂纹扩展功,因此试验钢强度和韧性提高。

Si合金化对10Cr铁/马钢在液态铅铋共晶环境中的液态金属脆化敏感性的影响

铁素体/马氏体钢是第四代液态铅铋冷却快堆燃料包壳和其他堆内构件的重要候选结构材料。Si合金化是目前国内外改善铁/马钢在铅铋环境中的腐蚀性能的关键技术手段,但Si的加入对应力腐蚀开裂敏感性(即“液态金属脆化”)的影响规律还有待深入研究。本文通过开展慢应变速率拉伸实验,对比研究了4种不同Si含量对10Cr铁素体/马氏体钢在350℃、贫氧和饱和氧铅铋以及氩气环境中的拉伸断裂行为,并结合断口分析,确定了Si对液态金属脆化敏感性的影响规律。结果表明,在所有Si含量下,铅铋对屈服强度和最大抗拉强度均没有显著影响,铅铋的影响主要体现在延伸率出现了明显下降;屈服强度随Si含量的变化基本保持不变,最大抗拉强度则呈现小幅度增大趋势;在氩气环境中,延伸率随Si含量的增加而增大。在贫氧铅铋环境中,延伸率的下降幅度与Si含量大体呈正相关。这说明Si含量越多,10Cr铁素体/马氏体钢的液态金属脆化敏感性越大。

高应变率下不同初始相变温度NiTi合金的力学响应

为获得高应变率下不同初始相变温度NiTi合金的屈服应力等基本物理特性和力学响应规律,采用10^(−3)s^(−1)应变率下准静态压缩与拉伸、10^(5)s^(−1)应变率下准等熵压缩及10^(7)s^(−1)应变率下冲击加载实现跨量级的不同应变率加载,高应变率加载实验中通过控制样品初始温度实现不同初始相态NiTi合金的力学响应测量。结果显示,初始马氏体相和初始奥氏体相NiTi合金的准静态加载应力-应变曲线中均出现2次模量变化,初始马氏体相中的模量变化由晶体重定向和马氏体相塑性变形引起,初始奥氏体相中的模量变化由马氏体相变和相变后塑性变形引起。准等熵加载下,初始马氏体相NiTi合金的Lagrangian声速随粒子速度增大而增大,未观察到间断等非线性变化;而初始奥氏体相中声速曲线存在间断,声速由初始横波值间断减小至体波声速后再随粒子速度线性增大。冲击实验中,初始马氏体相NiTi合金后自由面速度约34 m/s处出现双波结构,而将样品初始温度升至402 K后再冲击加载,则在约100 m/s处出现双波结构,二者速度曲线拐点分别由马氏体相弹塑性屈服和奥氏体相塑性屈服引起;在初始奥氏体相NiTi合金冲击实验中,在样品后自由面速度达到220~260 m/s时才出现显著的奥氏体相弹塑性转变。随着应变率从约105 s^(−1)升高至10^(7) s^(−1),相同组分奥氏体相NiTi合金的弹性极限由约2 GPa增大至约4 GPa,10^(7) s^(−1)应变率下,随着初始样品温度升至402 K,弹性极限降至1.7 GPa,表明NiTi合金的弹性极限存在显著的温度和应变率效应。