Specific features of the deformation of steels in hydrogen

We have studied the effect of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of foils made of 08Kh18N12T steel under uniaxial tension. The initial stages of deformation in hydrogen require forces smaller by a factor of 3–5. In the case of biaxial tension of membranes made of this steel, their deformation ability also increases. The effect of hydrogen on the axial residual stresses of the first kind in 08Kh18N12T, 40Kh, and ShKh15 steels manifests itself in the activation of tensile deformation (inducing of compressive stresses). We have recorded a 30% increase in the fatigue limit of an austenitic alloy in hydrogen with a pressure of 30 MPa (the reference medium is air).