ABSTRACT
Stresses applied to a metal structure can interact synergistically with environmentally induced electrochemical effects in aqueous media causing fracture at loads far below those indicated by the nominal mechanical properties. Stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) is a system property influenced by factors contributed by the metal and by the environment. The following features are characteristic: conjoint action, stress, environment, crack morphology, life-to-failure, and crack path. The chapter discusses the characteristic features of corrosion fatigue. Corrosion fatigue cracking differs from SCC in two respects: the cracking is induced by a cyclic applied stress in a crack-opening mode; and combinations of environmental conditions and metal compositions for corrosion fatigue are not specific. The chapter provides information on enhanced corrosion in flowing or turbulent aqueous media. Flowing or turbulent aqueous media can apply shear or impact forces to metal surfaces that interact synergistically with electrochemical mechanisms causing failure by severe local surface corrosion. Recognized effects include erosion-corrosion, impingement and cavitation.
