Effect of aging time on hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility in high-strength martensitic steel
摘要
Hydrogen embrittlement has emerged as a critical challenge that restricts the application of high-strength martensitic steel. The hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility and associated fracture morphologies of high-strength martensitic steel subjected to different aging durations were systematically examined via slow strain rate tensile tests, microstructural characterization, thermal desorption spectroscopy, and finite element simulations. The as-charged specimen exhibited predominantly intergranular fracture, governed by hydrogen-enhanced decohesion mechanism. After 3 d of aging, quasi-cleavage fracture features occurred with reduced susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement, accompanied by transgranular fracture governed by the hydrogen-enhanced localized plasticity mechanism. Extending the aging period to 8 d yielded ductile fracture, indicative of superior hydrogen embrittlement resistance. A diffusion-kinetic finite element model was developed and shown to accurately predict hydrogen diffusion behavior, and finally quantitative correlations among aging duration, hydrogen concentration, and fracture mode transitions were established.