Monte Carlo Simulation of Stress Corrosion Cracking on Smooth Surface of a Sensitized Stainless Steel Type 304 under Non-Uniform Stress Condition

Abstract

A Monte Carlo simulation model for the process of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in structural materials under non-uniform stress condition has been proposed. The possible number of crack initiations is set for a given space and initiation times for all cracks are assigned by random numbers based on exponential distributions depending on stress level. Sites and lengths of the cracks are assigned by random numbers based on uniform distribution and normal distribution, respectively. Coalescence of cracks and subcritical crack growth are determined based on the fracture mechanics concept. Through the SCC process in the model, the influence of semi-elliptical surface cracks is taken into consideration. SCC simulations were carried out on an area around a weld line by taking account of residual stress distribution. Multiple parallel cracks were obtained along the weld line. Numerical examples exhibit the applicability of the model to describe the SCC behavior observed in real structures.