Influence of local stress on initiation behavior of stress corrosion cracking for sensitized 304 stainless steel

To investigate the influence of local stress on initiation behavior of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) for sensitized Type 304 stainless steel, cracking process during constant load SCC test was monitored and recorded with an in situ crack observation system. The changes in number of cracks, sum of crack length and cracked area on the specimen surface with test time were identified from the cracking images analyzed by image processing. In the SCC tests, many cracks were initiated and coalesced on the surface, and the coalescence of cracks played an important role to primary crack growth. The influence of applied stress on crack initiation was different from that on crack growth. In addition, there was a difference between influences of stress on incubation period to crack initiation and crack initiation rate. Due to these differences, a stress of 0.8S_y was thought to cause relatively many cracks compared with 0.5S_y and 1.3S_y (S_y = 200 MPa). Through quantitative estimation of distribution in local stress around a crack by finite element analysis method, it was deduced that the crack initiation is influenced not only by bulk stress applied at the end of the body, but also by local stress formed around pre-existing cracks. According to pre-existing cracks, stress enhancement accelerates the crack growth, while the stress relaxation causes the suppression of new crack initiation. Based on the experiment and analysis results, three types of growth process were suggested, which are caused by propagation itself, by new crack initiation at vicinity of the crack tip, and by coalescence of approaching cracks. Then, it was concluded that, in order to predict/simulate the cracking behavior of this SCC system, the influence of local stress on the crack initiation should be taken into account.     

Crack initiation model for sensitized 304 stainless steel in high temperature water

To investigate the initiation behavior of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) for sensitized Type 304 stainless steel in high temperature water, a constant load SCC test method combined with in situ crack observation technique was employed. The in situ crack observation system allowed us to detect small cracks of at least 100 μm. As a result, a fracture time decreased with an increase in an applied stress. The first cracks were observed at most 3 h before the specimen was fractured under all the stress conditions. After that, many cracks were initiated in a short time to fracture. The fracture was caused by coalescence of multiple cracks rather than by growth of some primary cracks. The simulation model for surface crack initiation was newly developed using a Monte Carlo method, which was based on damage mechanics and stress analysis around the existing cracks. The simulation could represent the empirical results of changes in the crack distribution and the cumulative number of cracks during the SCC tests. It was concluded, therefore, that the crack initiation process should be considered in simulating the life prediction of the material in this SCC system.     

Effect of temperature on the stress corrosion cracking of zircaloy-4 in iodine alcoholic solutions

Zircaloy-4 is susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in solutions of iodine dissolved in different alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-pentanol and 1-octanol). The crack propagation rate is known to decrease as the solvent molecular weight increases, as a consequence of steric hindrance. However, the mechanism that operates during SCC is still unknown. In the present work the effect of temperature on SCC susceptibility was evaluated in 1-butanol and 1-pentanol iodine containing solutions. The dependence of the crack growth rate with temperature follows an Arrhenius law, and the activation energy obtained from experimental data is consistent with a process controlled by volume diffusion of the active species (the iodine-alcohol complex) to the crack tip.     

Discontinuous surface cracks during stress corrosion cracking of stainless steel single crystal

Single crystal 321 stainless steel stress corrosion cracking was studied in a 42 wt.% MgCl₂ solution. Cracks propagated macroscopically in the maximum tensile stress plane regardless of the notch orientation with respect to the applied tensile load direction. Some stress corrosion cracks nucleated discontinuously at the intersection of the two slip bands. Most cracks, however, were not related to the slip bands. Cleavage-like fracture was observed, and the river-markings exhibited microshear facets along the {1 1 1} plane. Interaction between the main crack and the discontinuous microcracks increased the calculated stress intensity factor by 17 times and promoted crack coalescence, resulting in mechanical fracture of the ligaments between the cracks.     

Intergranular stress corrosion cracking of copper - A case study

The objective of this work was to identify the conditions and mechanisms for stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of a hard copper tube employed in a cooling system. The fractured tube was made of deoxidized high phosphorous copper (Cu-DHP). The identification was performed on the ground of fractography, metallography, residual stress measurements and corrosive environment analysis. It was found that humidity and environment containing ammonium and trace amounts of nitrite and nitrate ions were responsible for initiation of SCC yielding to breakdown of oxide surface layer by pitting. Cracking was found intergranular and perpendicular to circumferential stresses. Stress corrosion crack propagation appeared the most consistent with the oxide rupture mechanism. The findings were discussed in relation to the literature data in order to get a better understanding of cracking behaviour.     

Effect of inclusions on initiation of stress corrosion cracks in X70 pipeline steel in an acidic soil environment

The effect of inclusions on the initiation of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) X70 pipeline steel was investigated in an acidic soil solution using slow strain rate test, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray techniques. The results demonstrated that stress corrosion cracks are not initiated in X70 steel when it is under anodic polarization. At cathodic polarization, hydrogen evolution is enhanced, and hydrogen is actively involved in SCC processes. Two types of inclusions exist in the steel and play different role in crack initiation. The inclusions enriching in Al are brittle and incoherent to the metal matrix. Microcracks and interstices are quite easily to be resulted in at the boundary between inclusions and metal. There is no crack initiating at inclusions containing mainly Si.     

Characterization and perspective of stress corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steels (type 304 and type 316) in acid solutions using constant load method

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of the commercial austenitic stainless steels, type 304 and type 316 has been extensively investigated as functions of applied stress, sensitizing temperature, sensitizing time and the environmental factors such as pH, anion concentration, anion species (chloride ions and sulfate ions), test temperature, applied potential and inhibitor concentrations of chromate and molybdate by using a constant load method. We have found that the steady state elongation rate obtained from corrosion elongation curve becomes a relevant parameter for predicting time to failure and also for criterion on assessment of whether SCC takes place or not. The value of t_ss/t_f is also found to become an indicator for assessment of whether SCC takes place or not. Furthermore, from the results obtained, it is deduced that a unified SCC mechanism is qualitatively proposed to explain both of transgranular SCC (TGSCC) and intergranular SCC (IGSCC), where the unified SCC mechanism is basically based on a film rupture- formation event at crack tips.     

Stress corrosion cracking of Cu-30% Zn alloy in Mattsson’s solutions at pH 7.0 and 10.0 using constant load method - A proposal of SCC mechanism

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of a commercial Cu-30% Zn alloy has been investigated as a function of applied stress in Mattsson solutions with pH 7.0 and 10.0 at 313 K by using a constant load method. It was found that the elongation behavior at pH 10.0 showed clearly the step wise fashion, while that at pH 7.0 did slightly, almost over the whole applied stress. The steady state elongation rate obtained from corrosion elongation curve became a relevant parameter for predicting time to failure. Furthermore, from the results obtained, it is deduced that a unified SCC mechanism is qualitatively proposed to explain both of transgranular SCC (TGSCC) at pH 10.0 and intergranular SCC (IGSCC) at pH 7.0, where the unified SCC mechanism is basically based on a film rupture-formation event at crack tips.     

Investigating the mechanism of stress corrosion cracking in near-neutral and high pH environments for API 5L X52 steel

Stress corrosion cracking behaviour of API-5L-X52 steel under cathodic protection in near-neutral and high pH conditions was studied using slow strain rate test method and electrochemical measurements. The slow strain rate test showed ductile and brittle fracture feature at low and high applied potentials, respectively. In order to identify the mechanism contributes in stress corrosion cracking; the electrochemical potentiodynamic polarisation test was done at fast and slow sweep rate. The results revealed that at near-neutral pH condition the anodic dissolution at crack tip was the dominant mechanism. While at high pH medium, the hydrogen based mechanism was dominant.     

SCC initiation for X65 pipeline steel in the “high” pH carbonate/bicarbonate solution

The initiation of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) was studied using scanning electron microscope observations of linearly increasing stress test specimens. SCC initiation from the following surfaces was studied: (i) initiation from the commercial pipe surface covered by the Zn coating, (ii) initiation from a mechanically polished surface with a deformed layer, and (iii) initiation from an electro-polished surface. SCC initiation involved different features for these surfaces as follows. (i) For the Zn coated commercial pipe surface, a crack in the Zn coating led to the dissolution of the deformed layer and when the deformed layer was penetrated, intergranular SCC initiation became possible. (ii) For a mechanically polished surface with a deformed layer, cracks in the surface oxide concentrated the anodic dissolution to such an extent that there was transgranular SCC in the deformed layer. SCC was intergranular when the deformed layer had been penetrated. Transgranular stress corrosion cracks were stopped at ferrite grain boundaries (GBs) oriented perpendicular to the SCC propagation direction. (iii) For an electro-polished surface, the surface oxide film was cracked at many locations, but intergranular SCC only propagated into the steel when the oxide crack corresponded to a GB. An oxide crack away from a GB is expected to be healed. The observed SCC initiation mechanism was not associated with simple preferential chemical attack of the ferrite GBs.     

Stress corrosion cracking under low stress: Continuous or discontinuous cracks?

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional crack morphologies of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) were studied by serial-sectioning and synchrotron-based X-ray computed tomography. Discontinuous surface cracks were actually continuous inside the specimen, which matched typical river-like fractographs and finite element simulations. A low stress SCC model was created, where a main crack continuously grew along the main propagation direction (MPD) due to anodic dissolution; then, discontinuous secondary microcracks emanated from MPD, angularly extending to the two sides of MPD. Finally, some of the secondary microcracks reached the sample surface, resulting in the formation of discontinuous surface cracks.     

Evaluation of stress corrosion cracking phenomenon in an AISI type 316LN stainless steel using acoustic emission technique

This paper deals with the analysis of the acoustic emission (AE) signals to determine the micro-process during stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of AISI type 316LN stainless steel that cause the AE, and thus the mechanism of the SCC process. AE with amplitudes ranging from 27.6 to 46.5 dB with different counts, energy and rise times occurred during SCC of type 316LN stainless steel in 45% MgCl₂ at 413 K. The analysis of the AE signals in conjunction with fractography indicated that a surge in the AE counts and energy indicated initiation of SCC. AE was found to be continuous prior to the initiation. The time gap between AE events increased during initiation. AE events occurred in bursts during crack growth. Plastic deformation ahead of the crack tip was determined to be the major source of AE during propagation of SCC in type 316LN stainless steel. The cracking was found to initiate and propagate in the transgranular mode.     

Transient and steady state crack growth kinetics for stress corrosion cracking of a cold worked 316L stainless steel in oxygenated pure water at different temperatures

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) growth kinetics for a cold worked 316L stainless steel was continuously monitored in high purity water at different temperatures and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels under a K (or K_max) of 30 MPa m^0.5. The total SCC test time was more than 8000 h to make sure the steady state crack growth rate under each test condition could be reached. Crack growth rate (CGR) increases with increasing temperature in the range 110-288 °C. A typical intergranular-cracking mode is identified. Depending on the previous test condition, especially the temperature, three kinds of crack growth kinetics, i.e., increasing with testing time then becoming steady, being constant during the whole period, or decreasing with test time then becoming steady, are identified and discussed. Time-dependent and testing history-dependent crack growth modes were confirmed in two series of tests in 2 ppm DO and 7.5 ppm DO pure water. The apparent activation energies are calculated and compared with other data in different environments under different applied loading levels for understanding the cracking mechanism.     

Effect of stress corrosion cracking on stress-strain response of steel wires used in prestressed concrete beams

This paper presents an experimental study of the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) process on 8-mm-diameter wires which are used industrially in precast concrete prestressed by pre-tension. The service life of steel wires under accelerated SCC and the reduction of their mechanical performance are studied. A dynamic analysis to detect the damage to corroded wire due to SCC before brittle failure and the influence of internal defects on the service life of stress corroded wire are also presented. The study shows that stress corrosion cracking is characterized by an evolution to SCC from pitting corrosion attacks that result in the development of both micro-cracking and micro-voids in the steel bulk. The stress level does not influence the composition of corrosion products. It is a major factor of SCC development, leading to a considerable reduction in the ultimate strain and thus to brittle failure of the corroded wires. Local defects on the steel surface increase the SCC effect due to stress corrosion concentration. A reduction in the elastic modulus and the elastic limit, which may reach 25% and 15%, respectively, can be expected due to steel micro-cracking. No damage detection through mechanical analysis seems possible before the brittle failure occurs as the corrosion is very localized and so does not globally reduce the tension in the wires.     

X100管线钢在酸性土壤模拟溶液中的应力腐蚀行为

采用慢拉伸(SSRT)、动电位极化和SEM观察等方法,研究了在不同的阴极保护电位条件下X100钢在酸性土壤模拟溶液中的应力腐蚀行为.结果表明,X100钢发生穿晶裂纹的应力腐蚀,裂纹的萌生和发展与阴极保护电位有关.完全阳极过程控制时,X100钢无裂纹出现,但出现晶间腐蚀;在混合过程控制时,应力腐蚀敏感性较低,裂纹发展缓慢;在完全阴极过程控制时,氢脆机制起主要作用,裂纹扩展迅速.     

Stress corrosion cracking of new Mg–Zn–Mn wrought alloys containing Si

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of high strength and ductility Mg–Zn–Mn alloys containing Si was studied using the slow strain rate test (SSRT) technique in air and in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution saturated with Mg(OH)₂. All alloys were susceptible to SCC to some extent. The fractography was consistent with a significant component of intergranular SCC (IGSCC). The TGSCC fracture path in ZSM620 is consistent with a mechanism involving hydrogen. In each case, the IGSCC appeared to be associated with the second-phase particles along grain boundaries. For the IGSCC of the ZSM6X0 alloys, the fractography was consistent with micro-galvanic acceleration of the corrosion of -magnesium by the second-phase particles, whereas it appeared that the second-phase particles themselves had corroded. The study suggests that Si addition to Mg–Zn–Mn alloys can significantly improve SCC resistance as observed in the case of ZSM620. However, the SCC resistance also depends on the other critical alloying elements such as zinc and the microstructure.     

Effect of AC on stress corrosion cracking behavior and mechanism of X80 pipeline steel in carbonate/bicarbonate solution

The influence of various AC current densities on stress corrosion cracking behavior and mechanism of X80 pipeline steel was investigated in carbonate/bicarbonate solution by polarization curves and slow strain rate tensile tests. With the increasing AC current density, the SCC susceptibility of the steel increases, especially at high AC current density. A significant difference in the SCC behavior and mechanism is found for the steels with or without AC application. In the absence of AC, the fracture mode is intergranular and the mechanism is attributed to anodic dissolution. Under AC application, the cracks propagation is transgranular, and the mechanism is mixed controlled by both anodic dissolution and hydrogen embrittlement.     

Effect of cations on stress corrosion cracking: Ag-40Cd alloy in silver ion aqueous solutions containing a variety of foreign cations

Uhlig showed that cupric ions accelerated the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of α-brass in ammoniacal solutions. When adding foreign metal cations (cadmium, zinc, cobalt and nickel) to the solutions, it was found that only the copper ion had an effect on the fracture time. The aim of the present work was to study if this is a more general phenomenon in SCC. To that purpose, a Ag-40Cd (at/o) alloy was strained in silver nitrate aqueous solutions containing a variety of foreign metal cations, at the equilibrium potential of the reaction: Ag⁺ + e⁻ = Ag. SCC was found in all cases. Silver ions specifically accelerated the crack propagation rate and the addition of foreign cations showed no significant effect on the phenomenon. Most of the cracks found were intergranular, and the specific effect of the cations could be explained through the surface mobility SCC mechanism.     

A novel accelerated corrosion test for exhaust systems by means of power ultrasound

Cycling corrosion tests have been performed to simulate corrosion conditions in the cold end of an automotive exhaust system. A middle range 1.4512 (AISI 409) stainless steel is submitted to a conventional dip dry test (DDT) parallel to a similar test but including an additional external stress thanks to an ultrasonic transducer. This new ultrasonic test (so called UST) is expected to reduce the diagnostic time of the corrosion test by the combined action of the chemical corrosion process and of mechanical degradations. Both corrosion tests are performed in two different media in order to simulate internal corrosion due to exhaust gas condensate and external cosmetic corrosion, greatly enhanced by road salt during winter. It respectively concerns a synthetic gas condensate, the composition of which is derived from what is obtained from motor gasoline combustion, and NaCl solution. In both electrolytes the stainless steel suffers from pitting corrosion. Samples are examined by optical micrography and surface profilometry. The degradation state is quantified according to three parameters: maximum pit depth, average pit diameter and porosity rate. The efficiency of each test is then related to the time of immersion. As expected, use of ultrasound allows pits growth to be achieved from the beginning of the exposure time, so that the maximum pit depth recorded after 180 h of immersion is twice than with the classical dip dry test. It seems that it does not modify the pit initiation mechanism but only increases growth kinetics.     

Stress corrosion cracking behavior of X70 pipe steel in an acidic soil environment

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of X70 pipe steel was investigated in an extracted acidic soil solution by slow strain rate test (SSRT), potentiodynamic polarization curve measurements and surface analysis technique. The SCC process and mechanism of X70 steel in the acidic soil solution is mixed-controlled by both anodic dissolution and the hydrogen involvement. With the different applied potentials, the dominance of SCC process changes. At a relatively less negative potential, the steel SCC is based primarily on the anodic dissolution mechanism. When the applied potential is shifted negatively, hydrogen is involved in the cracking process, resulting in a transgranular cracking mode. With the further negative shift of applied potential, the SCC of the steel follows completely a hydrogen-based mechanism, with a river-bed shaped brittle feature of the fracture surface. Heat treatment alters the microstructure of the steel, resulting in a change of SCC susceptibility. In particular, the quenched steel with a bainite microstructure has a high susceptibility to SCC in the acidic soil, while the as-received steel with a ferrite matrix have a low SCC susceptibility.