The Use of Analytical Methodologies in Determining Hydrogen Embrittlement Potential

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) can cause a premature failure of metals well below normal yield or design strength and is dependent on stress, time, and the presence of hydrogen.  Manufacturing and post-delivery processes such as plating, coating, cleaning and chemical stripping are notorious for their ability to create high hydrogen embrittlement potentials.  It is these HE potentials that compromise the structural integrity of high strength steels used in aerospace applications.  Currently, the most common industry method for hydrogen embrittlement detection and prevention is mechanical testing.  Sustained load notch tensile testing requires expensive test specimens and lead times as long as 200 hours.  In this paper, we will explore analytical methodologies capable of quantitatively and quantitatively characterizing and understanding the hydrogen introduced during various manufacturing and maintenance processes.