This paper addresses testing techniques developed in support of failure analyses that have a limited amount of material and the environment is a contributor. The advantages gained in testing the actual material with regard to producing exemplar fracture surfaces far outweighs the accuracies lost in testing larger, non-representataive material samples according to specified test standards. Test equipment has been developed to generate stress corrosion and corrosion fatigue fracture surfaces within the framework of fracture mechanics. In addition, the test are generally accelerated, single specimen tests. The method is readily adaptable (with minor modifications) to the testing of samples with non-standard crosssection geometries. Fractographic characterization of surfaces created under known test conditions are then compared to the surface of the actual failed component with the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The test procedure also shows great potential as a low cost, rapid, quality control evaluation technique for small size production hardware, which might be susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement; e.g., electroplated, high-strength threaded fasteners.

Subject
Scanning electron microscopy, Test methods, Materials, Hardware, Stress cracking, Intergranular cracking, Failure analysis, Mechanical failure, Steel, Fatigue, Fracture, Test specimen, Hydrogen
© 1986 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1986
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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