Lecture 4 Hydrogen Induced Damage in Structural Steels

Dr. Sc. Olha Zvirko
The lecture outlines metal degradation mechanisms and the challenges related to hydrogen induced damage in structural steels. Current understanding of the effect of hydrogen on fracture and mechanical properties of steels will be presented. Focus will be given on the influence of long-term operation of steels on their susceptibility to hydrogen induced damage. Microstructural, mechanical and electrochemical indicators of hydrogen induced damage of structural steels will be considered. Proposed in-laboratory methods of accelerated hydrogen assisted steel degradation will be described. The methods for evaluating the hydrogen induced degradation of steels will be highlighted. The durability and integrity issues in existing natural gas pipelines associated with hydrogen embrittlement of steel at transporting hydrogen or mixtures natural gas with hydrogen will be outlined.