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Stress Corrosion Cracking
A failure mechanism where the combined effect of tensile stress and a corrosive environment causes cracking in susceptible materials, particularly austenitic stainless steels in chloride solutions.
SCC in Stainless Steel
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) requires three simultaneous conditions: a susceptible material, tensile stress (applied or residual), and a corrosive environment. Austenitic stainless steels are particularly susceptible in hot chloride solutions above 60C.
Prevention
- Use duplex/super duplex grades (highly resistant)
- Stress relieve after fabrication
- Control chloride concentration
- Lower operating temperature