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

Heavy wall pipe range expanded

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

SS 6MO stainless steel

Sandmeyer Steel Co. has added SSC 6MO to its extensive line of corrosion resistant stainless steel and nickel alloy plate and plate products.

New stainless grades at Tube 2008

Sandvik will be showing examples of its comprehensive range of tubular and bar products at Tube 2008 (31 March – 4 April 2008, Dusseldorf, Germany).

Fin-fan cooler contract

A supply chain of small diameter stainless steel tubes supplied by Sandvik Materials Technology to fabricator Spiro-Gills for contractor Jacobs Engineering has resulted in...

Online stainless training module

The Nickel Institute has launched a new online training module designed to assist English and Chinese-speaking engineers, designers and those who specify materials to select an appropriate type and grade of stainless steel for their particular needs.

Stainless steel duplex plate

Stirlings Australia now stocks stainless steel super duplex 2507 plate in sizes 3mm x 1.5 m x 6m, 5mm x 2m x 6m, 6mm x 2m x 6m, 8mm x 2m x 6m, 10mm x 2m x 6m, 12mm x 2m x 6m, 16 x 2m x 6m, 20mm x 2m x 6m, 25mm x 2m x 6m and 32mm x 2m x 4m.

Free Anopol anti-corrosion guide

Anopol has published an illustrated guide, available free, detailing how to protect the various grades from post-fabrication corrosion.

Low cost duplex hollow sections

Stalatube Oy has the capability to manufacture square and rectangular hollow sections in a new grade called ’Lean duplex’.

Taiwan power project

ATI Allegheny Ludlum will supply specialty metals for a reactor building service-water piping system at a power plant in Taiwan.

Solving spring cracking

Sandvik Materials Technology's duplex stainless steel grade, Sandvik SAF 2205, is being used for wire springs in electrical contact systems on railway locomotives.

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.