Evaluation of the Maximum Pit Size Model on Stainless Steel under Atmospheric Conditions

Abstract

Literature reports on the pit sizes from long-term atmospheric exposure of stainless steel samples show a limiting pit size where the pit size becomes invariant after few years of exposure. A model for determining the maximum pit size model has been published recently which gives a computational analysis of the maximum pit size possible based on the maximum cathode current available to a growing pit at a certain set of atmospheric conditions. Results from the validation of the maximum pit size model in its ability in predicting maximum pit size observed under laboratory controlled atmospheric exposure tests are presented in this paper.