A Novel Low Frequency Fatigue Testing Method in High Pressure Hydrogen Environment Available to Purchase

Hydrogen is one of the clean and renewable energy sources for the future. Exposure to hydrogen has detrimental effects on the mechanical properties of a variety of carbon and low alloy steels. The fatigue testing in high pressure gaseous hydrogen environment is generally time and cost consuming due to the low cyclic loading frequency necessary for the absorption and diffusion of hydrogen surrounding the propagating crack tip. A new mechanical testing technique was recently developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The self-cyclic-loading mechanism and miniature testing rig design eliminate the needs of a dedicated machine, making it suitable for low frequency cyclic loading testing and cost-effective. Notched high strength steel specimens were used to demonstrate the new fatigue testing technique. Fracture surface of failed testing specimen was evaluated by scanning electron microscope, revealing intergranular fracture mode.