Abstract
Effects of rising and falling stress intensity factor (K) profiles on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) growth rates of stainless steel and nickel alloys has been studied in high-temperature water. Sophisticated test control software was used that changes loading (P) based on crack length (a) to achieve a specific K trajectory by controlling dK∕da, not simply dP∕dt. The majority of SCC problems develop adjacent to welds, which have a complex residual stress profile versus wall thickness. This, coupled with the dependence of K on crack length, causes K to change as the crack grows, not per se with time (t). The effect of the rate of change in K on crack tip strain rate and the associated crack growth rate is discussed, along with the repercussions to understanding and dispositioning SCC response.
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