As a first step, a literature survey was undertaken on Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC)
phenomena. Material and metallurgical parameters were investigated; in addition the various
testing methodologies, environments and pass/fail criteria used for HIC fit-for-purpose (FFP)(1)
testing were assessed. The literature sources suggested a variety of methodologies that can
be used for FFP HIC testing. However, a universally applicable FFP test method was not
identified. Therefore, an experimental study was launched to establish a suitable methodology
and better define the key parameters involved in HIC phenomena.