The effect of high temperature low cycle fatigue on the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steels

The effect of high temperature (650 °C) low cycle fatigue on the corrosion behavior of five austenitic stainless steels (Types 304, 316L, 321, and Incoloy Alloys 800 and 800H) has been investigated. For comparison, corrosion tests were also performed on samples of as-received material as well as material which had been solutionized and material which was sensitized at 650 °C. It was observed that cyclic loading at high temperature reduces the corrosion resistance to a much greater extent than does just the exposure of unstressed material to elevated temperatures. Formation of chrome carbides during cycling and depletion of chromium from the matrix is responsible for the decrease in corrosion resistance. Of the alloys tested, Type 304 exhibited the lowest corrosion resistance. Superior corrosion resistance of the other alloys was due to the following: (a) a lower carbon content, (b) a higher chromium content, and (c) the presence of a strong carbide forming element (stabilized material).