Linearly increasing stress test (LIST) for SCC research

Abstract

This paper presents a new testing apparatus for stress corrosion research. In this linearly increasing stress test (LIST) method, plain un-notched specimens are simultaneously exposed to an environment and subjected to an applied stress increasing linearly at a controlled rate. Experiments are repeated at various applied stress rates and the parameters measured include SCC initiation stress (the stress at which stress corrosion cracks start to propagate), fracture stress and average crack velocity. The LIST test is similar to the constant extension rate test (CERT) test, with the essential difference that the LIST test is load-controlled whereas the CERT test is displacement-controlled. The LIST test is particularly aimed at service conditions of loaded parts and structures; that is, service conditions described as load-controlled. This paper describes the design, construction and operation of the test apparatus and some typical results are given to illustrate its performance. Experiments have been conducted using as-quenched 3.5Ni-Cr-Mo-V turbine rotor steel specimens in aerated distilled water at 90 degrees C at stress rates varying from 0.00034 MPa s-1 to 2.08 MPa s-1.