Prediction of environmental and strain-rate effects on the stress corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steels

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of austenitic stainless steels in high-temperature water is controlled by environmental variables (e.g., dissolved oxygen, corrosion potential, impurities), microstructure (e.g., degree of sensitization), and strain rate. A phenomenological model based on the slip-dissolution mechanism and elastic-plastic fracture mechanics is presented to quantitatively describe the effects of both environment-related parameters and strain rate on SCC in constant extension rate tests. The model predictions are in good agreement with the results of tests performed on Types 304, 316, and 316NG stainless steel at different strain rates in a wide variety of environments relevant to boiling-water reactors.