Influence of peening-induced compressive stress on the retardation of fatigue crack growth in hydrogen-embrittled 316L stainless steel based on fractographic analysis
摘要
In this study, the effect of shot peening on delaying fatigue crack growth (FCG) in hydrogen-embrittled 316L stainless steel was investigated by mapping the magnitude and depth of compressive residual stress onto the fracture surface images of the specimens. Non-peened + Hydrogen Embrittlement (NP + HE) and Shot-peened + Hydrogen Embrittlement (SP + HE) specimens were prepared through electrochemical hydrogen charging, and Mode I FCG tests were conducted. Fatigue life curves were obtained, and the compressive residual stress field was mapped onto fracture surface images to analyze its relationship with hydrogen-induced cracks (HICs). NP + HE specimens exhibited widespread intergranular fractures and HICs, while SP + HE specimens showed significantly fewer and smaller cracks within the compressive residual stress layer. These results demonstrate that FCG in hydrogen-embrittled 316L stainless steel can be effectively suppressed through the shot peening process. This finding may contribute significantly to improving the safety of various components and structures exposed to hydrogen environments against HICs.