Design fatigue life evaluation of high-pressure hydrogen storage vessels based on fracture mechanics

Abstract

Design fatigue life of high-pressure hydrogen storage vessels constructed of low alloy steels, austenitic stainless steels, and iron-based superalloy was analyzed based on facture mechanics in 45 MPa, 85 MPa, and 105 MPa hydrogen and air. Cylindrical model was used and the wall thickness of the model was calculated following five regulations including the High Pressure Gas Safety Institute of Japan (KHK) designated equipment inspection regulation, KHKS 0220, Chinese special equipment regulation (TSG) R0002, Chinese machinery industrial standard (JB) 4732, and ASME Sec. VIII, Div. 3. Design fatigue life for four typical model materials was also analyzed to discuss the effect of ultimate tensile strength, pressure, regulations and hydrogen sensitivity on the design fatigue life in hydrogen. It was discussed that hydrogen influence decreases with decreasing pressure or ultimate tensile strength. The design fatigue life data of the model materials under the conditions of pressure, ultimate tensile strength, K IH , fatigue crack growth rates, and regulations in both hydrogen and air were proposed quantitatively for materials selection for high-pressure hydrogen storage vessels.