viernes, 7 de marzo de 2014

Hydrogen embrittlement

The identification of a failure of hydrogen embrittlement in a metallic component is often relatively simple in comparison with the great significance that it implies.

When an analysis determines a high strength steel component, and after a short period of assembly some cracks are discovered on the part (failure mode known as “delayed fracture”), the range of possibilities is reduced dramatically to a single alternative. Then, it is only necessary to check that the fracture surface of the component has an intergranular character to confirm the preconceived hypothesis, and in most cases, to provide a comprehensive conclusion. Sometimes, it is very difficult for the analyst to consider any additional tests that could provide valuable information to corroborate and prove, without any doubt, the previous identification.