The Prediction of Stress Corrosion Cracking of Sensitized 304 Stainless Steel in 0.01M Na2SO4 at 97 C

The slip dissolution model for stress corrosion crack propagation has been used as a working hypothesis to predict the stress corrosion behavior of sensitized 304 stainless steel in 0.01M Na2SO4 and in water at 97 C. On the basis of results from a rapid straining technique, the bare surface dissolution and subsequent passivation rates have been determined for various FeCrNi alloys, and predictions have been made on the potential dependence of the crack morphology and crack propagation rates. These predictions, based on a constant charge criterion for the slip dissolution mechanism, are in good agreement with the observed stress corrosion data.