Which outcome occurs when hydrogen embrittlement weakens a high-strength steel bolt under sustained tensile stress?

💡 Explanation

When hydrogen embrittlement occurs, hydrogen atoms diffuse into the steel's crystal lattice, weakening grain boundaries, which leads to brittle fracture below the normal yield strength under sustained stress. Therefore brittle fracture results, rather than plastic deformation, increased hardness, or enhanced corrosion resistance, which require different chemical and mechanical conditions.

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