In-situ measurement of hydrogen entry and hydrogen embrittlement of steel by atmospheric corrosion

Hydrogen entry and hydrogen embrittlement of high-strength steel in atmospheric corrosion environment was investigated using an in-situ hydrogen permeation technique and a strain gage method, respectively. The hydrogen concentration increased at the beginning of corrosion and when the corrosion reaction was accelerated, such as when a typhoon approached. The hydrogen embrittlement occurred when the surface hydrogen concentration exceeded the critical hydrogen concentration. It is directly demonstrated that hydrogen embrittlement crack initiation, arrest, and propagation are repeated accompanied with hydrogen entry and release due to environmental changes, leading to final fracture.