Despite long interest and effort in the study of stress-corrosion cracking, the term itself still lacks a universally recognized definition. The paper discusses various definitions which have been used in the past. For the most part, these have been so generalized that they fail to distinguish among several modes of cracking. An attempt is made to clear up this apparent confusion by classifying the various modes of cracking and by illustrating each with typical examples. Topics discussed include static and cyclic stresses, tensile and compressive stresses, electrochemical mechanisms, molten phase attack, and hydrogen cracking.
Probably the most important type of stress-corrosion cracking, from a practical standpoint, is that which is now recognized as being associated with electrochemical phenomena. Many examples have been observed and studied, but only limited progress has been made toward a basic understanding of how the cracking initiates and progresses. This type of cracking involves a complex interplay of metallurgical and chemical factors, the study of which has taxed the ingenuity of experimenters. Definite progress has been made, however, and recent accomplishments are reviewed.
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