On the Precipitation of Hydrides in Metals under Stress - Finite Deformation Approach

ABSTRACT

An analytic relation for the terminal solid solubility of hydrogen in a stressed metal is derived, based on finite deformation theory. Phase transformation is assumed to be a reversible process, which occurs under local chemical equilibrium among hydride, metal and hydrogen in solid solution. Hydrogen terminal solid solubility depends on stress due to the interaction of the applied stress field with the field of the expanding hydride as well as due to the reduction of hydrogen chemical potential in solid solution, caused by hydrostatic stress. The present analysis is complementary to hydrideinduced embrittlement studies in metals, under conditions, which require the use of finite deformations.

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