Abstract
We propose that the ideal fracture energy of a material with mobile bulk impurities can be obtained within the framework of a Born-Haber thermodynamic cycle. We show that such a definition has the advantage of initial and final states at equilibrium, connected by well-defined and measurable energetic quantities, which can also be calculated from first principles. Using this approach, we calculate the ideal fracture energy of metals (Fe and Al) in the presence of varying amounts of hydrogen, using periodic density functional theory. We find that the metal ideal fracture energy decreases almost linearly with increasing hydrogen coverage, dropping by ∼45% at one-half monolayer of hydrogen, indicating a substantial reduction of metal crystal cohesion in the presence of hydrogen atoms and providing some insight into the cohesion-reduction mechanism of hydrogen embrittlement in metals.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 4801-4807 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Acta Materialia |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 16 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 20 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Ceramics and Composites
- Polymers and Plastics
- Metals and Alloys
Keywords
- Aluminum
- First principles electronic structure
- Hydrogen embrittlement
- Iron