Abstract
A subsea fastener made of Alloy 716 (UNS N07716) experienced a brittle fracture in service. The investigations described herein suggested that the failure was caused by hydrogen stress cracking (HSC), thus, adding to the number of reported HSC incidents on precipitation hardened nickel-based alloys over the last two decades. Incremental step loading testing on notched tensile specimens showed a net section threshold stress of <44% of the fastener materials actual yield strength. X-ray diffraction revealed that the grain boundary (GB) precipitates were predominantly the σ–related precipitate F-phase, which were suggested to have a detrimental effect on HSC resistance—even in low amounts. The low amounts of GB precipitates were indicated by a low degree of sensitization in the double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation test. Two additional heats from the same alloy were investigated to elucidate the effect of different GB precipitates on HSC resistance and to evaluate quality control methods that are discussed in the research community.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.