In situ synchrotron X-ray tomography of 304 stainless steels undergoing chlorine-induced stress corrosion cracking. (1st July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schoell, Ryan; Xi, Li; Zhao, Yuchen; Wu, Xin; Yu, Zhenzhen; Kenesei, Peter; Almer, Jonathan; Shayer, Zeev; Kaoumi, Djamel
• Is Part Of: Corrosion science. Volume 170(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07-01
• Subjects: Stress corrosion -- 304 Stainless steel -- In situ tomography -- Synchrotron X-ray -- Chlorine-induced stress corrosion cracking; Corrosion and anti-corrosives -- Periodicals; 620.11223
• DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2020.108687
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-938X

Abstract

Highlights: A custom-built equipment made in-situ monitoring of crack propagation possible through Synchrotron microtomography of the crack morphology. Crack branching occurred due to a combination of plane stress condition, high stress intensity, and pitting on the surface. Chlorine appeared to migrate into the material and form Cr, Ni, and Fe rich chlorides on the crack surface, which may be a step in the crack propagation. Abstract: To understand the mechanisms behind chlorine-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC) in 304 stainless steel, synchrotron high energy x-rays were used to perform in-situ x-ray microtomography on a pre-cracked sample under load in a corrosive simulated marine environment. The tomography scans showed the crack morphology evolving into a branching crack around the surface of the sample. Finite element analysis and stress intensity analysis are conducted to explain the observed crack branching.