STRESS-CORROSION CRACKING: A PERSPECTIVE REVIEW OF THE PROBLEM

Abstract : Definitions are given of a number of terms relating to crack propagation caused by the conjoint action of stress and corrosion and related phenomena. This is followed by a brief historical review during the course of which it becomes evident that stress-corrosion cracking, far from being restricted to a few alloys, is a general phenomenon observed in most families of alloys if the composition, heat treatment, and environment are favorable. The role of fracture mechanics in conducting and interpreting stress-corrosion cracking tests is discussed, and the several classes of mechanisms which have been postulated to account for stress-corrosion cracking are enumerated. The most serious deficiency in stress-corrosion technology is the inability to predict those combinations of alloys and environments which will give rise to stress-corrosion cracking.