Abstract
A void model for hydrogen diffusion in steel is set up using the simplest assumptions. The model is then extended to allow for the non-ideal behaviour of hydrogen up to pressures in the region of 1000 atm (l01.33 N/mm2). The main aim has been-to account for the distinct change in overall activation energy for diffusion with decreasing temperature observed in those cases where the diffusion coefficient is derived by evolution methods, as distinct from permeability data. From a comparison with published results the conclusion is reached that such a model can explain the observed behaviour in non-steady-state diffusion work over a broad temperature range, including the anomalous activation energy usually obtained below ∼ 200°C (473 K).