Fracture of high strength steel wires in corrosive environment

摘要

This paper deals with the fracture of high strength steel wires under the influence of tensile stress and corrosive environment. The environmental agents include chlorides, sulfates and nitrates in the atmosphere. Under such environment, the wires experience two major forms of degradations: stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement. Stress corrosion cracking produces material loss, pitting and cracking while hydrogen embrittlement is associated with loss in ductility and reduction in the fracture toughness. Both degradations lead to significant loss in tensile strength and eventual failure of the wires. A fracture mechanics model quantifying the degradation is discussed with a view toward assessing the load-carrying capacity of the wires.