Hydrogen Embrittlement Test Methods: Current Status and Projections

This paper reviews the current standardized test methods for controlling the possibility of hydrogen embrittlement in high-strength steels as a result of different manufacturing and processing variables such as the use of maintenance chemicals or plating processes. The standards are addressed from the point of view of: (1) basic concepts for acceptance; (2) type of loading; (3) significance of time-to-failure and magnitude of stress; (4) future trends, which include the use of fracture mechanics concepts and methods for small-specimen, accelerated testing. Finally, newly proposed standards and new areas requiring hydrogen embrittlement controls are identified.