Effects of Multiple Overloads and Hydrogen on High-Cycle Fatigue Strength of Notched Specimen of Austenitic Stainless Steels

To safely use of hydrogen utilization machines after large earthquakes, the effect of multiple overloads and hydrogen on high-cycle fatigue strength of SUS304 and SUS316L austenitic stainless steels were evaluated. Three kinds of notched fatigue test specimens which have different notch root radius were used. The fatigue strength of both materials was significantly reduced by multiple overloads. The cause was small cracks formed by the overloads. In SUS304, the reduction of fatigue strength became more significant by hydrogen. The cause was that hydrogen accelerated propagation of the small cracks during overloading. On the other hand, fatigue strength of SUS316L was insusceptible to hydrogen. Propagation of the small cracks existing notch root was evaluated by plastic strain range at notch root and Manson-Coffin rule in order to consider application of this study for design.