Prediction Model for Atmospheric Stress Corrosion Cracking of Stainless Steel

Abstract

Stress corrosion cracking may occur when the welding structure made from stainless steel is used in oceanic moist environment. The initiation and the propagation process of atmospheric SCC (ASCC) were modeled in this report. The initiation lifetime of ASCC is estimated to be 1.1 years under the following conditions of repair-welded joints: surface residual stress in the axial direction of the welded joints of 362 MPa, residual stress in the thickness of the pipe of 200 MPa, degree of sensitization of 20%, and salt deposition of 0.1 g/m²[NaCl]. According to the relationship between the crack propagation rate and stress intensity factor, the initiated crack would penetrate the thickness of 20 mm within 7.6 years.