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The transmission line matrix (TLM) method is a numerical tool for the solution of wave and diffusion type equations. The application of TLM to physical phenomena such as heat flow and electromagnetic wave propagation is well established. A previous attempt to apply TLM models to the area of elastic wave propagation and elastic deformation had limited success. The work of this thesis extends the application base of TLM to the area of elastic deformation modelling and validates the model for several two-dimensional situations. In doing this it has been necessary to develop new nodal structures which facilitate the scaling of differential coefficients and incorporation of cross derivatives. Nodal structures which allow the modelling of two and three-dimensional, and anisotropic, elastic deformation are described. The technique is demonstrated by applying the elastic deformation model to several elastic problems. These include two-dimensional isotropic models and models of anisotropic elastic deformation. Provision is also made for the application of various boundary conditions which include displacement, force and frictional boundaries.

The hydrogen embrittlement of two HSLA steels was studied in conditions typical of the marine environment. Double cantilever beam specimens, heat treated to produce the microstructure in the heat affected zone of a weld, were tested in seawater containing sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) over a range of cathodic protection (CP) potentials and the threshold stress intensities ([Threshold Stress Intensity]) were recorded. The hydrogen concentration absorbed by the steel ([Surface Hydrogen Concentration]) was measured and shown to be higher at more negative CP potentials and significantly increased when SRB were present. An inverse relationship was established between log [Threshold Stress Intensity] and [Surface Hydrogen Concentration]. It was concluded that crack propagation occurs by a single mechanism whether or not SRB are present. Three point bend specimens of both steels were machined from welded plate. Corrosion fatigue tests were carried out in seawater with and without SRB. The presence of active SRB caused increased crack growth rates. Sediment samples were collected from the River Mersey and the base of a North Sea platform. In addition, SRB were added as an inoculum to artificial seawater. SRB numbers were enumerated and their activities assessed by measuring the concentrations of sulphide generated. Hydrogen permeation tests were performed on steel held at a range of CP potentials and exposed to each environment. Measurements were also carried out in seawater containing chemically prepared sulphides. Hydrogen absorption was shown to be enhanced when SRB were present and to be related to the total sulphide (TS) concentration in the environment. High hydrogen concentrations were produced by chemically prepared sulphides and the nature and thickness of the sulphide film appeared to be important in determining the extent of hydrogen absorption. Chemically produced sulphide gave sustained levels of absorbed hydrogen, but those generated biogenically decayed rapidly unless the TS concentration was maintained in the solution.

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