Rising step load testing

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Rising Step Load Testing (or RSL testing) is a testing system that can apply loads in tension or bending to evaluate hydrogen-induced cracking (also called hydrogen embrittlement). It was specifically designed to conduct the accelerated ASTM F1624 [1] step-modified, slow strain rate tests on a variety of test coupons or structural components. It can also function to conduct conventional ASTM E8 [2] tensile tests; ASTM F519 [3] 200-hr Sustained Load Tests with subsequent programmable step loads to rupture for increased reliability; and ASTM G129 Slow Strain Rate Tensile tests.

Contents

Testing

The RSL Testing System can be applied to all of the specimen geometries in ASTM F519, including Notched Round Tensile Bars, Notched C-Rings, and Notched Square Bars. Product testing of actual hardware can also be conducted, such as with fasteners. Taking mechanical advantage of by testing in bending allows large diameter bolts to be tested with only a 1-kip load cell.

Test precision

The RSL Test Method has been demonstrated as a valuable tool in the testing of high-performance materials for determining susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. This test is dependent upon the test machine’s capability to provide a profile with incremental increases in the applied stress as a function of time. It is imperative that the load increases do not overshoot the next elevation in applied stress. This is achieved through careful design and operation of the loading mechanisms. Once this is achieved, repeatability is good with variance in the low single digits that are probably related more to surface roughness, internal defects, and other intrinsic material properties differences rather than the testing equipment.

Crack sensitivity detection

Precision in controlling the load allows for greater sensitivity in measuring crack extension via load drop and compliance correlation than obtainable with high-voltage electrical resistivity measurements and eliminates the need for clip gages. This capability allows for precise electronic detection of the maximum load required for Crack Tip Opening Displacement calculations of Fracture Toughness and precise detection of the onset of crack growth required for measurement of the threshold stress for hydrogen embrittlement, environmental or stress corrosion cracking.

Benefits

Related Research Articles

Ductility Degree to which a material under stress irreversibly deforms before failure

Ductility is a mechanical property commonly described as a material's amenability to drawing. In materials science, ductility is defined by the degree to which a material can sustain plastic deformation under tensile stress before failure. Ductility is an important consideration in engineering and manufacturing. It defines a material's suitability for certain manufacturing operations and its capacity to absorb mechanical overload. Some metals that are generally described as ductile include gold and copper. However, not all metals experience ductile failure as some can be characterized with brittle failure like cast iron. Polymers generally can be viewed as ductile materials as they typically allow for plastic deformation.

Fracture Split of materials or structures under stress

Fracture is the separation of an object or material into two or more pieces under the action of stress. The fracture of a solid usually occurs due to the development of certain displacement discontinuity surfaces within the solid. If a displacement develops perpendicular to the surface, it is called a normal tensile crack or simply a crack; if a displacement develops tangentially, it is called a shear crack, slip band or dislocation.

Compressive strength Capacity of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to reduce size

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Fatigue (material) Initiation and propagation of cracks in a material due to cyclic loading

In materials science, fatigue is the initiation and propagation of cracks in a material due to cyclic loading. Once a fatigue crack has initiated, it grows a small amount with each loading cycle, typically producing striations on some parts of the fracture surface. The crack will continue to grow until it reaches a critical size, which occurs when the stress intensity factor of the crack exceeds the fracture toughness of the material, producing rapid propagation and typically complete fracture of the structure.

Hydrogen embrittlement Reduction in ductility of a metal exposed to hydrogen

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE), also known as hydrogen-assisted cracking or hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC), is a reduction in the ductility of a metal due to absorbed hydrogen. Hydrogen atoms are small and can permeate through solid metals. Once absorbed, hydrogen lowers the stress required for cracks in the metal to initiate and propagate, resulting in embrittlement. Hydrogen embrittlement occurs most notably in steels, as well as in iron, nickel, titanium, cobalt, and their alloys. Copper, aluminium, and stainless steels are less susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement.

Residual stress Stresses which remain in a solid material after the original cause is removed

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Compact tension specimen

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References

  1. ASTM F1624 - 09 "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Hydrogen Embrittlement Threshold in Steel by the Incremental Step Loading Technique", American Society for Testing and Materials, 2009.
  2. ASTM E8 - 16 "Standard Test Method for Tension Testing of Metallic MATERIALS", American Society for Testing and Materials, 2016.
  3. ASTM F519 - 18 "Standard Test Method for Mechanical Hydrogen Embrittlement Evaluation of Plating/Coating Processes and Service Environments", American Society for Testing and Materials, 2018.