On key parameters influencing cavitation damage upon fast decompression in a hydrogen saturated elastomer

A transparent silicone rubber (vinyltrimetoxysilane) has been exposed to pressurized hydrogen from 0.1 to 27 MPa, saturated and submitted to gas decompression over a wide range of controlled rates of pressure (between 0.2 and 90 MPa/min). A spatial and temporal follow up of the development of damage during and after decompression has been conducted. The pressure level and the decompression rate are both needed to predict if blister fracture will occur and, if it does, at what level of pressure in the chamber. Using these two parameters, it is possible in some cases to predict the onset of damage.