Date of Award

2024-08-01

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor(s)

Francisco F. Medina

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) on Inconel 718 parts produced using Electron Beam Melting (EBM) with a spot melting scanning strategy, focusing on analyzing the material's microstructure and mechanical properties. This research aims to understand the impact of hydrogen charging on both as-built and Hot Isostatically Pressed (HIPed) samples of Inconel 718, a material widely used in high-stress applications in aerospace and energy industries.The methodology included detailed characterization using techniques such as Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) followed by hydrogen charging of EBM-fabricated Inconel 718 samples. Mechanical testing, including microhardness and tensile tests, was conducted to evaluate the changes in properties due to hydrogen charging. Microstructural analysis through EBSD revealed a randomized crystallographic texture, with TEM and SEM providing insights into dislocation structures and precipitate distributions. Key results indicated hydrogen charging significantly increased hydrogen content, especially in HIPed samples. Microhardness tests showed a pronounced hardness gradient near the charging face, demonstrating the embrittling effect of hydrogen. Tensile testing revealed that while the as-built samples maintained their mechanical properties after hydrogen charging, HIPed samples experienced a substantial reduction in ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. The study concludes that EBM-fabricated Inconel 718 components are susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement, particularly after HIPing. The findings underscore the need for optimized EBM and post-processing techniques to mitigate the risks of hydrogen embrittlement, ensuring enhanced performance in hydrogen-rich environments. These insights contribute to the broader application of EBM Inconel 718 in critical industries, emphasizing the importance of managing hydrogen effects in advanced manufacturing processes.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

109 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Julio Cesar Diaz

Included in

Engineering Commons

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