Answer
Hydrogen embrittlement is characterized by sudden, catastrophic failure under static load, often hours or days after installation. The fracture surface is typically intergranular (cracks follow grain boundaries) and lacks any signs of plastic deformation (necking). This occurs in high-carbon steels (SAE 1070-1090) that have been acid-cleaned or electroplated. If a wave spring snaps while simply sitting in a preloaded state in an assembly, hydrogen is the prime suspect. Detection involves scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the intergranular facets. Prevention requires switching to a non-embrittling finish (like mechanical plating or dip-spin coatings) or strictly adhering to a post-plating bake protocol of $375^°F$ for 4-24 hours.
