SEDL / STP / STP801-EB / STP44820S

Some Electrochemical and Microstructural Aspects of Corrosion Fatigue

Congleton, J
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne,

Craig, IH
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne,

Olieh, RA
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne,

Parkins, RN
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne,

Pages: 23    Published: Jan 1983

Download this paper for $25 PDF (564K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

The initiation of corrosion-fatigue cracks in pure aluminum single crystals, polycrystalline aluminum, and in a BS4360 50D steel has been investigated. Experiments were performed in 3.5% sodium chloride solution, and measurements of the rate of nucleation and early growth of cracks were obtained by quantitative metallography. Initiation occurred at persistent slip bands or grain boundaries in aluminum but at inclusions in the steel.

The role of microstructure in corrosion fatigue crack initiation is discussed. It is suggested that the growth rate of short cracks may be controlled by chemical dissolution. Results from straining electrode experiments on high yield strength steels are described that support this conclusion.