Finite Element Simulation Analysis of Hydrogen Permeation in 80S Steel

Abstract

Hydrogen embrittlement poses a serious challenge for high-strength steels (such as 80S steel) when used in hydrogen-containing environments. When hydrogen atoms diffuse into the steel, they can cause local plastic deformation, lattice distortion and even crack propagation, thereby significantly reducing the material’s toughness and load-bearing capacity. Research indicates that hydrogen embrittlement is one of the primary safety hazards associated with the use of high-strength alloys and hydrogen transmission pipelines. The finite element method has become an essential tool for investigating hydrogen diffusion and the mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement; numerical simulations can reveal the diffusion behaviour of hydrogen in metals, stress-strain interactions, and their effects on microstructure and mechanical properties. In this paper, ABAQUS software is employed to simulate and analyse the hydrogen concentration distribution in 80S steel under different hydrogen charging conditions, based on hydrogen diffusion theory and mechanical models, with the aim of investigating the mechanism of hydrogen permeation and providing a reference for the design of high-strength steel to resist hydrogen embrittlement.