Title

Evaluation of hydrogen pressure vessels using slow strain rate testing and fracture mechanics analysis

Keywords

Fracture mechanics; Gaseous hydrogen; Hydrogen charging; Hydrogen embrittlement; Pressure vessel; Slow strain rate

Abstract

A total of 108 seamless, forged pressure vessels, fabricated from ASTM A372 type IV (UNS K14508) and type V low alloy steel, are currently in 4, 200 psi (29 MPa) gaseous hydrogen (GH2) service at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Space Shuttle Launch Complex 39 (LC-39). The vessels were originally used in 6, 000 psi (41 MPa) GH2 service during the Apollo program. NASA recently received a letter of warning from the manufacturer of the vessels stating that the subject vessels should be now be removed from GH2 service due to the fact that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of many of the vessels exceeds the maximum limit of 126 ksi (869 MPa) now imposed on A372 steel intended for GH2 service, and therefore are susceptible to hydrogen environment embrittlement. Due to the expense associated with vessel replacement, it was decided to determine by testing and analysis whether or not the vessels needed to be removed from GH2 service. Slow strain rate testing was performed under hydrogen charging conditions to determine the value of the threshold fracture toughness for sustained loading crack growth in GH2 (KH) for the vessel material; this value was then used in a fracture mechanics safe-life analysis (a 20-year service Ufe was modeled) mat indicated the vessels are safe for continued use.

Publication Date

1-1-1998

Publication Title

NACE - International Corrosion Conference Series

Volume

1998-March

Document Type

Article; Proceedings Paper

Personal Identifier

scopus

Socpus ID

85046737146 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85046737146

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