Hydrogen Embrittlement Evaluation and Prediction in Press‐Hardened Steels

Abstract

The application of press‐hardened steels (PHSs) in automotive body‐in‐white components using the hot‐stamping technique is growing thanks to its impressive strength and formability. Unfortunately, hydrogen embrittlement (HE), an issue that generally exists in high‐strength steels, impedes the PHSs rising application trend by causing catastrophic mechanical property degradation. Thus, detailed evaluation and prediction of HE risk throughout PHSs manufacture and service condition are necessary. This study highlights techniques to characterize the hydrogen content and distribution, techniques to evaluate HE susceptibility, and potential models to simulate the in‐service performance of PHS. The survey of existing studies has revealed the gaps between laboratory measurement and industry application, including but not limited to 1) the accelerated experiment‐induced discrepancies against real‐life applications, 2) a selection of the appropriate HE indicators, 3) an accurate risk prediction model, and 4) efficient feedback to the industry based on both experimental and simulated results. Based on the review, future studies are expected to establish a conclusive HE evaluation standard for PHS.