An analysis of stress corrosion crack growth by anodic dissolution

An analysis of the distribution of electrode potential within a stress corrosion crack which is growing by an anodic dissolution process has been used to define the electrode potential at the tip of the crack. This potential is used to predict the kinetics of crack growth. The influence of the applied stress intensity and the electrochemical properties of the crack tip and surface on the growth rate have been considered for low alloy steels in concentrated hydroxide solution and aluminum alloys in acidic chloride solution. Crack growth rates obtained in high concentration solutions are extrapolated to lower concentration solutions which may be expected in service environments. Predicted crack growth rates are in good agreement with published data.