Effects of dissolved hydrogen and surface condition on the intergranular stress corrosion cracking initiation and short crack growth behavior of non-sensitized 316 stainless steel in simulated PWR primary water

Abstract

The effects of dissolved hydrogen (DH) and inner surface finish condition of the hollowed specimen on stress corrosion crack (SCC) initiation and small crack growth behaviors of 316 stainless steel were investigated in high temperature water with various DH levels. The drilled specimen showed higher surface hardness and more enhanced SCC initiation and short crack growth behavior than honed specimen but both showed a similar trend in the water chemistry with different DH levels. Fractographic examinations showed mixed modes of transgranular and intergranular cracking. The influences of DH and surface condition on SCC behaviors are discussed.