Effects of hydrogen self-stress in thin circular-plates with clamped edges

A description of self-stress produced by hydrogen absorption into thin metallic circular-plates with clamped edges is presented. The plate deflects when the average hydrogen content exceeds a critical value, which depends mainly on the size of the plate, if no external load is applied; the plate distortion exhibits bistable characteristics, i.e. the deflection direction may be either upward or downward. On the other hand, a plate deflects prior to hydrogen insertion while an external force is imposed on it. The self-stresses and their effects on the solubility and diffusivity of hydrogen in plates are discussed as well.