What is stress corrosion cracking?
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a phenomenon where the combination of tensile stress and a corrosive environment leads to the formation of cracks in a material. It typically occurs in metals and alloys and can weaken structural integrity. SCC is often found in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing and nuclear power. The cracking process is influenced by factors such as material composition, applied stress levels, and the specific corrosive environment present.
News on stress corrosion cracking
Below you can find a selection of news and articles related to stress corrosion cracking in stainless steels. If you wish to contribute with your case study on stress corrosion cracking, please contact the Stainless Steel World editor
In an ideal world, the energy scarcity triggered by the war in Ukraine would serve as a wake-up call to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
Ferritic stainless steels have useful properties – a lower rate of thermal expansion, higher thermal conductivity, strong ferromagnetism and very high resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking (SCC).
The offshore oil & gas sector is faced with several hard choices: chief among these is how to meet higher demand without exceeding emission reduction targets and how to manage the transition to renewables.
Dr Fuad Mohamed Khoshnaw is the Subject Head for the Science, Engineering and Computing (SEC) portfolio at the De Montfort University campus in Dubai.
BUTTING impressed its customer in the oil and gas industry in the Middle East with its optimal time management. The family business produced a...
The duplex alloys are “problem-solving alloys” for good reason, they have been successfully used in many places where carbon steels and standard austenitic alloys...
Technology licensors in the fertiliser industry compete to design ever-larger urea plants with increased capacity. These plants require materials capable of withstanding the production...
Alloying austenitic stainless steel with strong carbide-forming elements such as titanium can avoid the precipitation of chromium carbides.
By Sabine Friederichs, Technical University of Clausthal,...
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing allows 3D-printing of large objects at less expense and in a far shorter time. After years of extensive research, commercialization has begun, and heavy industry is set to be transformed.
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing allows 3D-printing of large objects at less expense and in a far shorter time. After years of extensive research, commercialization has begun, and heavy industry is set to be transformed.
The dangers of SCC
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a complex and potentially catastrophic phenomenon that occurs when a combination of tensile stress, a corrosive environment, and a susceptible material interact. Unlike traditional corrosion, which is a gradual and uniform degradation of a material, stress corrosion cracking involves the formation and propagation of cracks, often leading to sudden failure.
Stress corrosion cracking commonly affects metals and alloys, such as stainless steels, aluminum alloys, and nickel-based alloys. It can occur in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, aerospace, marine, and nuclear power.
The specific mechanisms behind stress corrosion cracking are complex but certain conditions are known to promote its occurrence. These include the presence of a corrosive environment (e.g., chloride ions in aqueous solutions), applied tensile stress, and material susceptibility. The combination of these factors leads to crack initiation, propagation, and eventual failure.
Cracks associated with stress corrosion failure can develop in different patterns, such as intergranular, transgranular, or a combination of both. The cracks may follow grain boundaries or propagate through the grains of the material. Stress corrosion is often difficult to detect because it can occur internally, hidden from visual inspection.
Can you prevent stress corrosion cracking?
Preventing stress corrosion cracking involves understanding and controlling the factors that contribute to its initiation. Strategies include material selection, minimizing tensile stress levels, applying protective coatings, utilizing corrosion inhibitors, and maintaining appropriate environmental conditions. Regular inspections, non-destructive testing, and monitoring are crucial to identifying early signs of stress corrosion cracking and preventing catastrophic failures.
