Analysis of the plasticizing effect of hydrogen dissolved in a crystal on the evolution of plastic deformation at the tip of a crack

Abstract

The effect of interstitial hydrogen atoms on the evolution of plastic deformation in a crystal at the tip of a tensile crack is estimated taking into account gas exchange at the crack banks. It is found that, for an initial concentration of not less than 10−4, the plasticizing effect of dissolved hydrogen causing a dislocation expulsion is significant and can be responsible (at least, partially) for plasticization. As regards the evolution of the distribution of hydrogen atoms, a monotonic drain of dissolved hydrogen atoms into the hollow of the crack is observed for concentrations below 5×10−4, while at higher concentrations the impurity concentration at the banks of the crack varies periodically: complete drain is replaced by the accumulation of hydrogen corresponding to a “blocking” of the drain by the gas pressure. Numerical calculations are made for an α-Fe crystal.