Computer Simulation of Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking via Hydrogen Embrittlement
- Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory
Computer simulation has been applied to the investigation of intergranular stress corrosion cracking in Ni-based alloys based on a hydrogen embrittlement mechanism. The simulation employs computational modules that address (a) transport and reactions of aqueous species giving rise to hydrogen generation at the liquid-metal interface, (b) solid state transport of hydrogen via intergranular and transgranular diffusion pathways, and (c) fracture due to the embrittlement of metallic bonds by hydrogen. A key focus of the computational model development has been the role of materials microstructure (precipitate particles and grain boundaries) on hydrogen transport and embrittlement. Simulation results reveal that intergranular fracture is enhanced as grain boundaries are weakened and that microstructures with grains elongated perpendicular to the stress axis are more susceptible to cracking. The presence of intergranular precipitates may be expected to either enhance or impede cracking depending on the relative distribution of hydrogen between the grain boundaries and the precipitate-matrix interfaces. Calculations of hydrogen outgassing and in gassing demonstrate a strong effect of charging method on the fracture behavior.
- Research Organization:
- Bettis Atomic Power Lab., West Mifflin, PA (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC11-98PN38206
- OSTI ID:
- 766121
- Report Number(s):
- B-T-3297
- Journal Information:
- Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering, Journal Name: Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Analysis of brittle intergranular crack propagation during stress corrosion cracking
On the intergranular hydrogen embrittlement mechanism of Al-Li alloys