15 - Hydrogen embrittlement of high strength, low alloy (HSLA) steels and their welds

Abstract

This chapter discusses the embrittlement by gaseous hydrogen of high strength, low alloy (HSLA) grades and their welds. Various mechanical testing methods to evaluate the H-embrittlement are discussed. The H-embrittlement of two HSLA grades and their welds is evaluated by means of the standardised disc rupture test, i.e. a cold rolled HC420LA with a ferritic matrix and a hot rolled S700MC with a matrix consisting of bainitic ferrite. The results are positioned to the hardness measurements and the fracture surfaces of the various zones, i.e. base material, heat-affected zone and weld metal.