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1.1 This test method establishes a procedure to measure the susceptibility of steel to a time-delayed failure such as that caused by hydrogen. It does so by measuring the threshold for the onset of subcritical crack growth using standard fracture mechanics specimens, irregular-shaped specimens such as notched round bars, or actual product such as fasteners (2) (threaded or unthreaded) springs or components as identified in SAE J78, J81, and J1237.

1.2 This test method is used to evaluate quantitatively:

1.3 The test is performed either in air, to measure the effect if residual hydrogen is in the steel because of the processing (IHE), or in a controlled environment, to measure the effect of hydrogen introduced into the steel as a result of the external sources of hydrogen (EHE) as detailed in ASTM STP 543.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 This test method is used for research, design, service evaluation, manufacturing control, and development. This test method quantitatively measures stress parameters that are used in a design or failure analysis that takes into account the effects of environmental exposure including that which occurs during processing, such as plating (8) (ASTM STP 962).

5.2 For plating processes, the value of σ_th-IHE is used to specify quantitatively the maximum operating stress for a given structure or product.

5.3 For quality control purposes, an accelerated test is devised that uses a specified loading rate, which is equal to or lower than the loading rate necessary to determine the threshold stress (see 8.1).

5.4 For fasteners, the value of σ_th-IHE is used to specify quantitatively the maximum stress during installation and in service to avoid premature failure caused by residual hydrogen in the steel as a result of processing.

5.5 For fasteners, the value of σ_th-EHE is used to specify quantitatively the maximum stress during installation and in service to avoid failure from hydrogen absorbed during exposure to a specific environment.

5.6 To measure the relative susceptibility of steels to hydrogen pickup from various fabrication processes, a single, selected, discriminating rate is used to rank the resistance of various materials to hydrogen embrittlement.

5.7 Annex A1 describes the application of this standard test method to hydrogen embrittlement testing of fasteners.