Effect of pre-strain on stress corrosion cracking of type 304 stainless steel in high temperature water

The effect of pre-strain on intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) susceptibility of Type 304 stainless steel has been studied using a constant load tensile specimen in 2880C water containing 26 ppm dissolved oxygen. The results obtained are summarized as follows: (1) The time of failure of the specimens pre-strained at room temperature or 2880C are longer than those of non pre-strained specimens. (2) The stress-strain behaviour of materials changes by pre-straining. The effect of pre-strain on IGSCC initiation could be explained in terms of a relation between the rupture of surface oxide film and the stress-strain behaviour of materials. (author)