Hydrogen embrittlement on fracture resistance of low-alloy reactor pressure vessel steel with high dynamic strain aging at 288 °C

Abstract Fracture mechanics tests in hydrogenated high-temperature water at 288 °C on low-alloy reactor pressure vessel steel with high dynamic strain aging (DSA) susceptibility revealed reduced fracture resistance, accelerated crack growth and increased quasi-cleavage appearance than test in high-temperature air. Hydrogen-induced softening by HESIV and HELP concur in synergy with DSA at 288 °C, which was evidenced by crack-tip microstructural characterisations.