Stress Analysis Of Bent-Beam Stress Corrosion Specimens

Abstract

Abstract Many types of specimens are available for determining stress corrosion properties of metals and alloys. The bent-beam specimen is particularly well suited for determining atmospheric stress corrosion properties of higher-strength sheet materials. It is relatively simple to prepare and has given satisfactory results in extensive programs. Mathematical analysis used to calculate appropriate specimen dimensions to obtain a desired stress and results of tests to verify the mathematical analysis are presented. Elastic stresses in bent-beam stress corrosion specimens were determined by mathematical large-deflection analysis. Relationships were established between maximum stress and specimen and holder dimensions, as well as between maximum deflection and these dimensions. The relationships were verified experimentally by comparing measured with theoretical values calculated from the derived relationships. Agreement was good; most experimentally determined data were within 5 percent of calculated values. Variation in stress across specimen width was measured by strain gages. Results of these tests indicated that the variation was within acceptable limits.