Abstract
This study confirms that "Near-neutral pH Stress Corrosion Cracking" in steel pipelines propagates by hydrogen-enhanced corrosion fatigue. A critical cyclic loading frequency where maximum growth rate per cycle exists. The critical frequency at different temperatures is verified to correspond to hydrogen diffusion predictions. Growth is limited by crack-tip blunting below this frequency and hydrogen diffusion above this frequency. The critical frequency occurs when crack-tip deformation mechanisms that blunt the crack during the stress cycle overwhelm additional enhancement from diffusion. Growth occurs along cleavage planes and ductile slip planes, indicating hydrogen embrittlement, hydrogen-induced plasticity, and fatigue contribute to crack growth.
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