The susceptibility of stainless steel 316L to environment-induced cracking in high humidity high chloride environments

摘要

A method for measuring fracture toughness of SS 316L using compact tension samples has been described. Fracture toughness values for SS 316L in a simulated crack tip solution (0.75M MgCl_2/0.5M NaCl) were lower than those measured in air and in DI water. Fracture surfaces for samples exposed to the simulated crack tip solution were less ductile in appearance as compared to those formed in air and DI water. The measured decrease in fracture toughness combine with the fractography indicates that the 3013 container may be susceptible to SCC. Additional fracture toughness experiments in other simulated crack tip solutions / temperatures will be necessary to determine the extent of 3013 susceptibility to SCC failure.