Monte Carlo simulation of stress corrosion cracking in welded metals

Abstract

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior in welded metals is strongly affected their microstructures because the metals have complicated microstructures with broad grain size distributions. It is required to develop a lifetime evaluation technique considering SCC behavior which is affected by the microstructure. The present study aimed to develop a Monte Carlo simulation of intergranular SCC in welded metals, and crack initiation, coalescence, and growth were modeled considering their scatter based on the microstructure. Then, the simulation was applied to a welded nickel-based alloy in simulated primary coolant water for pressurized water reactors. The results showed that scatter in crack growth shortened the lifetime, while scatter in crack initiation and coalescence only slightly affected it.