The effect of impurities and strength level on hydrogen induced cracking in a low alloy turbine steel

The effect of impurities on the threshold stress intensity for cracking in H₂S (K{ISCC}) has been investigated at various yield strength levels for a low alloy steel. Results show that the effect of impurities on K_ISCC is a function of the yield strength level. At low yield strength levels the K_ISCC of the steel is lowered markedly due to additions of impurities. However, at higher yield strength levels the K_ISCC data for pure and impure steels converge to a single value. In addition, the effect of yield strength level on Xiscc is a function of the degree of temper embrittlement caused by impurity segregation. For small degrees of temper embrittlement, increasing the yield strength decreases the -Kiscc appreciably, while for large degrees of temper embrittlement,K _ISCC is relatively insensitive to the yield strength. At K_ISCCvalues below about 50 MPa Vm, the percentage of intergranular fracture in H₂S is found to be uniquely related to K_ISCC regardless of the yield strength-impurity combination by which a givenK _ISCC is obtained. Results of the study indicate that the K_ISCC OF steels is affected by impurities, yield strength and H2S both directly and indirectly via interactive mechanisms.