A Review of Laser Peening Method to Mitigate Stress Corrosion Cracking in Stainless Steels for Subsea Distribution Systems

Abstract

Abstract Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a phenomenon caused by the combined effects of a corrosive environment and sustained tensile stress. SCC is an integrity concern for high value assets in energy sector such as wellheads, offshore production platforms, processing plants, power plants and pipelines. Because stainless steel is often selected for design in subsea distribution systems, this makes SCC a great concern to the industry. This paper will explore and propose new ideas to mitigate SCC in subsea distribution systems, such as Laser Shock Peening (LSP). The paper reviews the existing literature on the effects on SCC from variety of laser parameters such as laser intensity, wavelength, frequency, pulse duration etc. The study involves an overview of the resulting effect of residual compressive stresses on material behavior at different depths. The conclusion of the study explores and proposes surface modification techniques using lasers to mitigate the SCC in subsea distribution systems. The paper intends to provide clarity on laser shocks to create compressive stress at different depths to make the stainless-steel material more sustainable.