The Hollow Specimen Method as a Game Changer in Hydrogen Testing

Testing metals under hydrogen can be complex and expensive – but there’s a smarter way. The hollow specimen method turns the sample itself into a pressure vessel, eliminating the need for large autoclaves. A small hole is drilled through the specimen, filled with hydrogen, sealed, and then tested under load.

Key advantages:
• Up to 90% more cost-effective than autoclave testing
• Requires only small amounts of hydrogen, reducing safety requirements
• Fast setup and easy integration into existing testing machines
• Suitable for tensile, creep, and slow strain rate tests (currently up to 200 bar; 1000 bar version in development)

While fracture mechanics testing isn’t possible and precise drilling is required, the method offers an efficient solution for hydrogen embrittlement screening.

It is already being used in research and industry, and standardization is in progress within the TransHyDE project and an ISO committee.

A simple concept – with a big impact for hydrogen testing.

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