Hydrogen embrittlement of 316L type stainless steel

Hydrogen embrittlement tests on type 316L stainless steel are performed including cathodic charging during slow strain rate tests. Brittle multiple cracking is observed and relationships between crack growth rate and diffusion are analysed. The influence of hydrogen on the morphology of ductile fracture is found after fractographic examination. Two aspects of ductile failure are observed in accordance with the hydrogen content of the sample; a reduced density of microvoids for higher hydrogen contents and brittle secondary cracking in addition to ductile fracture surfaces for lower hydrogen contents.