This test method describes mechanical test methods and defines acceptance criteria for coating and plating processes that can cause hydrogen embrittlement in steels. Subsequent exposure to chemicals encountered in service environments, such as fluids, cleaning treatments or maintenance chemicals that come in contact with the plated/coated or bare surface of the steel, can also be evaluated. This test method is not intended to measure the relative susceptibility of different steels.

This test method specifies the use of air melted AISI E4340 steel per SAE AMS-S-5000 (formerly MIL-S-5000) heat treated to 260 to 280 ksi (pounds per square inch x 1000) as the baseline. This combination of alloy and heat treat level has been used for many years and a large database has been accumulated in the aerospace industry on its specific response to exposure to a wide variety of maintenance chemicals, or electroplated coatings, or both. Components with ultimate strengths higher than 260 to 280 ksi may not be represented by the baseline. In such cases, the cognizant engineering authority shall determine the need for manufacturing specimens from the specific material and heat treat condition of the component.