Mechanochemical model to predict stress corrosion crack growth of stainless steel in high temperature water

This paper presents a predictive methodology for SCC crack growth using a mechanochemical model based on a slip formation/dissolution mechanism. The mechanochemical model consists of the combined kinetics of the plastic deformation process as a mechanical factor and the slip dissolution-repassivation process as an environmental factor at a crack tip. The predictive equation of SCC crack growth rate for type 304 SS in water at 288 degreesC is formulated as a function of stress intensity factor, material conditions (degree of sensitization, K(ISCC). strain hardening coefficient) and water chemistry (water conductivity, corrosion potential). The theoretical predictions according to the mechanochemical model are quantitatively in good agreement with many experimental observations of the effect on SCC crack growth for type 304 SS in 288 degreesC water. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.