In situ observation of short fatigue crack propagation in oxygenated water at elevated temperature and pressure

Highlights: ► We demonstrate a new method for in situ measurement of short fatigue crack propagation rates. ► Short corrosion fatigue cracks are observed in a windowed autoclave. ► Digital image correlation is used to measure crack opening displacements. ► Crack growth rates are measured at 250 °C, 50 atmospheres, oxygenated water. - Abstract: A new method is demonstrated for in situ measurement of short crack propagation rates during a corrosion fatigue test of an austenitic stainless steel within a windowed autoclave at 250 °C, 50 atmospheres, oxygenated water. Digital image correlation is used to monitor crack growth through measurement of the opening displacements of defects; either focused ion beam (FIB) milled notches from which fatigue cracks initiated, or stress corrosion cracks that subsequently propagated by fatigue.