Hydrogen influence on some advanced high-strength steels

This paper studied the influence of hydrogen on some dual-phase (DP), quenching and partitioning (Q&P), and twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) advanced high-strength steels (AHSS). All steels exhibited hydrogen sensitivity, manifested by (i) decreased yield strength (by a maximum of 13%) attributed to solid-solution softening by hydrogen, and (ii) reduced ductility (maximum decrease of reduction of area was from 65% to 9%), caused by hydrogen assisted fracture processes after the onset of necking. There was no sub-critical crack growth below the ultimate tensile strength. The hydrogen influence increased with increasing strength, more negative charging potential, and decreasing stress rate.