Electrical Overstress Can Drive Electrolytic-Capacitor Pressure and Dry-Out

What the evidence preview establishes

Excessive internal pressure and dried electrolyte caused severe loss of capacitance. Thermally discolored sleeves and staking material supported high-temperature exposure, consistent with excessive ripple current, rapid charge-discharge cycling, or reverse bias generating internal heat and gas.

Why this case matters

Bulging is the visible endpoint of an electrical and thermal progression. Electrical measurements, sleeve discoloration, vent behavior, electrolyte condition, and oxide damage should be combined before assigning a capacitor failure to simple age.