Small punch test methodologies for the analysis of the hydrogen embrittlement of structural steels

In the present study, a new small punch test (SPT) methodology has been used to analyse the effect of hydrogen embrittlement on the tensile properties of three different grades of CrMoV steel: the base metal (CrMoV-1), weld metal (CrMoV-2) and this same weld metal subjected to an intermediate heat treatment (CrMoV-3). SPT results were compared with those obtained in standard tensile tests carried out in a hydrogen environment. Moreover, a new SPT methodology was used to analyse the environmental effects on a CrNiMn steel under cathodic protection and cathodic charge. Results obtained shows the usefulness of the SPT to estimate the grade of deterioration induced by hydrogen embrittlement, especially when a lack of testing material makes impossible the test of standard specimens. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.