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:

1.2.1 The relative susceptibility of steels of different composition or a steel with different heat treatments;

1.2.2 The effect of residual hydrogen in the steel as a result of processing, such as melting, thermal mechanical working, surface treatments, coatings, and electroplating;

1.2.3 The effect of hydrogen introduced into the steel caused by external environmental sources of hydrogen, such as fluids and cleaners maintenance chemicals, petrochemical products, and galvanic coupling in an aqueous environment.

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 453.

1.4 The values stated in acceptable U.S. units shall be regarded as the standard. The values stated in metric units may not be exact equivalents. Conversion of the U.S. units by appropriate conversion factors is required to obtain exact equivalence.

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.