Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>Important objectives when using high strength steel materials in the automotive industry are to reduce the weight and therefore the energy consumption of motor vehicles. Suitable test methods must be used to characterize the material specific properties in relation to hydrogen induced effects so that the materials can be used safely in body structures. Strained bend specimens and 4-point loaded specimens were used for this work. Both test methods have specific advantages and disadvantages and provide meaningful results in regard to the time delay in hydrogen assisted brittle fractures. Fundamental insights were obtained regarding the test procedure and the development of test methods for the impact of hydrogen on steel during manufacture and operation of respective components.</jats:p>