Weld Delayed Fracture Evaluation Using Crack Initiation Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for evaluating delayed fracture properties of welds in metal materials, such as the gap test method and tensile shear strength tests, fail to quantitatively assess hydrogen-induced delayed fracture due to variations in residual stress and microstructure caused by welding, leading to inaccurate evaluations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving hydrogen introduction, tensile load application, and evaluation of crack initiation load based on displacement-load curves, with specific conditions for nugget diameter and tensile speed, allows for accurate quantification of hydrogen-induced delayed fracture properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the strength of steel material is increased to reduce weight, then weight reduction is achieved, but susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement and delayed fracture increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of steel materialVSAvoiddelayed fracture resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the evaluation parameters from conventional methods (nugget diameter, tensile shear strength) to a new parameter system based on displacement-load curves. By introducing hydrogen and applying controlled tensile loads, the patent evaluates delayed fracture properties through crack initiation load and displacement at crack initiation, which are more sensitive to hydrogen embrittlement effects in high-strength steel welds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical evaluation method (tensile shear strength test) with a hybrid electrochemical-mechanical method. Hydrogen is introduced through electrochemical means (immersion in hydrochloric acid or cathodic charging), and the evaluation is performed through mechanical tensile testing with detailed curve analysis, providing a more comprehensive assessment of hydrogen-induced delayed fracture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional evaluation methods (gap test method, tensile shear strength test) are used, then evaluation of weld strength is performed, but accurate quantification of hydrogen-induced delayed fracture properties is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation capabilityVSAvoidquantification accuracy of hydrogen-induced delayed fracture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms through detailed analysis of displacement-load curves. By monitoring the relationship between displacement and load during tensile testing, the patent identifies specific points (crack initiation point, maximum load point) that provide feedback on the hydrogen embrittlement state. This feedback enables precise quantification of delayed fracture properties that conventional methods miss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary hydrogen introduction before mechanical testing. By immersing the welded specimen in hydrochloric acid or applying cathodic charging prior to tensile testing, the patent ensures that hydrogen is adequately introduced into the weld zone in advance. This preliminary action allows the subsequent mechanical test to accurately reveal hydrogen-induced delayed fracture characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed method enables precise quantification of hydrogen-induced delayed fracture properties by using the crack initiation load as an index, providing a reliable assessment of material superiority or inferiority in hydrogen resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a phenomenon called delayed fracture is more likely to occur... herein particularly refers to a hydrogen embrittlement fracture caused by entry of hydrogen into a steel material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen embrittlement: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

applying a tensile load to the test material into which hydrogen has been introduced and acquiring a displacement-load curve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

evaluating a crack initiation load based on the displacement-load curve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFracture mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentEP4700360A1Method for evaluating delayed fracture characteristics of weld zone of metal material
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 JFE STEEL CORP
  • EP4700360A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP4700360A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3(a)
  • EP4700360A1 patent drawingFigure 3(b)

AI summary

The present invention is directed to providing a method for evaluating delayed fracture properties of a weld of a metal material, which can quantitatively evaluate the delayed fracture properties of the weld with high accuracy. The method for evaluating delayed fracture properties of a weld of a metal material includes: a hydrogen introduction step of introducing hydrogen into a test material composed of two or more metal materials having a weld; a tensile load application step of applying a tensile load to the test material into which hydrogen has been introduced and acquiring a displacement-load curve; and a first evaluation step of evaluating a crack initiation load based on the displacement-load curve.