Hydrogen embrittlement characterization by disk pressure tests: Test analysis and application to high chromium martensitic steels

The paper reports and discusses the results of an experimental and numerical activity, aimed to the characterization of the influence of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of a few high chromium martensitic steels which are candidates for fusion reactor and chemical applications. Experiments were conducted with the Disk Pressure Test technique, according to which a circular thin specimen is loaded up to rupture by an uniform pressure. As a detailed analysis of the stress/strain distributions in the specimen was not available, this kind of test being mainly used to obtain comparative information about different materials, a nonlinear numerical (Finite Element) model of the specimen was set Icp, by which stress and strain could be accurately evaluated as a function of the applied pressure. This model was employed both for interpreting experimental results and to achieve a more general understanding of the capabilities of the Disk Pressure Test for the characterization of hydrogen embrittlement effects. The calculated strain at failure showed the typical dependence on hydrogen content, falling to very low levels as a threshold concentration is exceeded.