Abstract
A scanning vibrating electrode system is developed for the analysis of corrosion fatigue of a high strength steel in synthetic sea water. The distribution of current density on the specimen during corrosion fatigue test is measured and displayed in a 3-dimensional map. It is found that local anodic current is observed at the main fatigue crack. However, most of anodic currents are observed in the area covered by corrosion products, under which many small pits associated with micro cracks are found. It is concluded that not only the main fatigue crack but also micro cracks formed under corrosion products contribute to the anodic current which determines the corrosion potential during corrosion fatigue process.
