A microstructure informed and mixed-mode cohesive zone approach to simulating hydrogen embrittlement

Hydrogen induced failure under uniaxial tension is simulated in a duplex stainless steel considering microstructural feature of the material. There are three key ingredients modelling approach: image processing and finite element representation experimentally observed microstructure, stress driven hydrogen diffusion coupled cohesive zone fracture mixed mode. The microstructure used as basis for work obtained from specimens cut transverse longitudinal directions. It found that significantly influences fracture. austenite phase polygonal randomly distributed direction, where larger effective coefficient lower resistance found, compared to specimen slender laminated. This indicates proper design control help improve steel. strength interface shear direction dominate mode initiation site, which reveals importance calibrating reduction shear.