Critical Assessment 2: Hydrogen induced fracture in austenitic, high-manganese TWIP steel

Abstract

Austenitic steels containing large manganese concentrations, that deform by mechanical twinning and dislocation slip, have attractive mechanical properties. They are often known as TWIP steels because the work hardening rate is enhanced by twinning, thus permitting large elongations before the onset of plastic instabilities. However, some such steels suffer from hydrogen-induced fracture. This susceptibility can be relieved by adding aluminium, although the mechanism by which aluminium acts remains a matter of discussion. The various proposed mechanisms and data from the literature are critically assessed, and some indications given on fruitful paths for progress.