Tag: Stress corrosion cracking

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

Stress corrosion cracking resistance of materials

A research team in Japan has compared the stress corrosion cracking resistance of materials used for steam generator tubing within nuclear power plants in an effort to try to identify new materials for long-term reliability.

Ferrium® M54™ gets AMS 6516 specification

Ferrium® M54™, an ultra-high-strength, high-toughness steel designed by QuesTek Innovations LLC, has been issued Aerospace Material Specification 6516 by SAE International. The steel is also highly resistant to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC).

Avesta’s duplex welding electrode

Avesta Welding has expanded its line of duplex products with the LDX 2101-4D, a covered electrode specifically designed for welding LDX 2101® thin walled pipes.

Low residual stress U-Bend tubing

RathGibson, a manufacturer of welded, welded and drawn, and seamless stainless steel, nickel, and titanium tubing, now has the capability to control the residual stress levels in U-Bend tubing for Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) alloys used in SCC environments.

Raskovic writes about duplex

Outotec’s Darko Raskovic has written about how different types and designs of stainless steel can be used to create minerals processing equipment.

Duplex joining electrode

Arcos Industries LLC, located in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania, now offers new bare wire and covered stainless steel electrodes, Arcos 2209, which are designed for joining 22% chromium duplex stainless steels including 2205.

Rolled Alloys expands duplex line

Rolled Alloys has announced an expanded line of AL 2003 lean duplex stainless steel plate and sheet products.

Duplex for offshore industry

Sandvik has increased the range of heavy wall pipes available as part of its standard stock program, with the duplex stainless steel heavy wall pipes in Sandvik SAF 2205.

Sumitomo 347AP

Austenitic stainless steels such as TP321 and TP347 are widely used to make equipment for use in desulferizing plants in the petroleum refinery industry.

DP28W duplex stainless

Sumitomo Metals Industries Ltd and Toyo Engineering Corp. have jointly developed a new duplex stainless steel called DP28W.

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.