Effect of hydrogen on fatigue crack growth of quenched and tempered CrMo(V) steels

Abstract

In order to select the most appropriate steel to deal with pressurized hydrogen during long times, the fatigue crack propagation rate of quenched and tempered 2.25Cr1Mo and 2.25Cr1Mo0.3V steel grades was evaluated by means of tests performed on thermally pre-charged specimens in a hydrogen reactor at 195 bar and 450°C during 21 hours. Cylindrical samples to measure the hydrogen content and their desorption kinetics at room temperature and compact tensile specimens to determine the fatigue crack growth rate were used. Finally, scanning electronic microscopy was used in the study of fracture surfaces. Using the aforementioned pre-charging conditions, significant amounts of hydrogen were introduced, being much larger in the 2.25Cr1Mo0.3V steel grade (vanadium carbides provide strong hydrogen tramps). Regarding fatigue tests, the fatigue crack growth rate was increased notably due to the presence of hydrogen in the 2.25Cr1Mo grades for frequencies lower than 10 Hz. On the other hand, the presence of vanadium carbides has significantly improved the fatigue crack propagation performance in the presence of internal hydrogen.