Characterization of fatigue crack of hydrogen-charged austenitic stainless steel by electromagnetic and ultrasonic techniques

In this study, the feasibility of the fusion sensing of eddy current testing (ECT) and ultrasonic testing (UT) as effective tools to clarify the hydrogen-embrittlement mechanism of austenitic stainless steels was investigated. Fatigue testing was conducted on hydrogen-charged and uncharged AISI 304 specimens. The effect of hydrogen exposure on the martensitic transformation, and crack closure and crack face morphology were investigated by ECT and UT. The results suggest that a comparison of ECT and UT results can evaluate martensitic transformation and crack closure and crack face morphology, which are important in understanding the hydrogen embrittlement of austenitic stainless steels. (C) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.

Automated summary

This study investigated the feasibility of fusion sensing of eddy current testing (ECT) and ultrasonic testing (UT) as effective tools to clarify the hydrogen-embrittlement mechanism of austenitic stainless steels. Fatigue testing was conducted on hydrogen-charged and uncharged AISI 304 specimens. The effects of hydrogen exposure on martensitic transformation, crack closure, and crack face morphology were examined using ECT and UT.