SEDL / STP / STP665-EB / STP38118S

Propagation of Stress Corrosion Cracks under Constant Strain-Rate Conditions

Scully, JC
Reader in corrosion science, University of Leeds, Leeds,

Pages: 17    Published: Jan 1979

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Abstract

Stress corrosion crack velocities have been measured in α and β titanium alloys, Zircaloy-2, and in 70Cu-30Zn brass at room temperature as a function of crosshead speed. Constant crack velocities have been observed in constant crosshead speed tests. In α titanium alloys in aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions cracking occurs only at crosshead speeds ≥ 8.3 µm/s^-1 because crack-tip repassivation occurs at lower crosshead speeds. In brass,, the velocity and type of fracture are dependent upon the potential and the metallurgical condition of the specimen. The use of double crosshead speed tests and work on β titanium alloy and on brass shows that the work-hardening capacity of an alloy is important in determining crack velocity. Limitations of the technique are indicated.