Date of Award
2005
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (MS)
College, School or Department Name
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Advisor
Lloyd A Heldt
Co-Advisor
Karl B Rundman
Abstract
Fastener grade steels with varying alloy contents and heat treatments were employed to measure changes in resistance to hydrogen assisted cracking. The testing procedure compared notched tension specimens fractured in air to threshold stress values obtained during hydrogen charging, utilizing a rising step load procedure. Bainitic structures improved resistance by 10-20% compared to tempered martensite structures. Dual phase steels with a tempered martensite matrix and 20% ferrite were more susceptible and notch sensitive. High strength, fully pearlitic structures showed an improvement in resistance. Carbon content, per se, had no effect on the resistance of steel to hydrogen assisted cracking. Chromium caused a deleterious effect but all other alloying elements studied did not cause much change in hydrogen assisted cracking susceptibility.
Recommended Citation
Nanninga, Nicholas E., "Effect of microstructure and alloying elements on the resistance of fastener grade steels to hydrogen assisted cracking ", Master's Thesis, Michigan Technological University, 2005.