Study of crack initiation phenomena associated with stress corrosion of aluminum alloys Final summary report
Crack initiation associated with stress corrosion of aluminum alloys
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Crack initiation associated with stress corrosion of aluminum alloys
Use of time-to-failure curves for stress-corrosion cracking processes may lead to incorrect estimates of structural life, if material is strongly dependent upon prestress levels. Technique characterizes kinetics of crackgrowth rates and intermediate arrest times by load-level changes.
Phase II, Series 2 corrosion testing performed by the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for the Department of Energy 3013 container has been completed. The corrosion tests are part of an integrated plan conducted jointly by Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Savannah River Site. SRNL was responsible for conducting corrosion studies in small-scale vessels to address the influence of salt composition, water loading, and type of oxide/salt contact on the relative humidity inside a 3013 container and on the resulting corrosion of Type 304L and 316L stainless steel (304L and 316L). This testing was conducted in two phases: Phase I evaluated a broad spectrum of salt compositions and initial water loadings on the salt mixtures exposed to 304L and 316L and the resulting corrosion; Phase II evaluated the corrosion of 304L at specific water loadings and a single salt composition. During Phase I testing at high initial moisture levels (0.35 to 1.24 wt%)a, the roomtemperature corrosion of 304L exposed to a series of plutonium oxide/chloride salt mixtures ranged from superficial staining to pitting and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). 304L teardrop coupons that exhibited SCC were directly exposed to a mixture composed of 98 wt % PuO2, 0.9 wt % NaCl, 0.9 wt % KCl, and 0.2 wt % CaCl2. Cracking was not observed in a 316L teardrop coupon. Pitting was also observed in this environment for both 304L and 316L with depths ranging from 20 to 100 μm. Neither pitting nor SCC was observed in mixtures with a greater chloride salt concentration (5 and 28 wt%). These results demonstrated that for a corrosive solution to form a balance existed between the water loading and the salt chloride concentration. This chloride solution results from the interaction of loaded water with the hydrating CaCl2 salt. In Phase II, Series 1 tests, the SCC results were shown to be reproducible with cracking occurring in as little as 85 days. The approximate 0.5 wt% moisture level was found to result in an initial relative humidity of ~55% within the small-scale vessels. Pits were found to be associated with cracks and appeared to act as initiators for the cracking. In a vapor-space only exposure, the weld oxide, which results from the TIG closure weld used to fabricate the teardrop coupon, was also shown to be more susceptible to pitting corrosion than a surface free from weld oxide. This result has important implications for the closure weld of the 3013 inner can since the weld oxide on the can internal surface cannot be removed. The results from the Phase II, Series 2 tests further demonstrated the significance of forming a solution with a critical chloride concentration for corrosion to proceed. 304L teardrop coupons were found to corrode only by pitting with a similar oxide/salt mixture as used in Series 1 testing but with a lower water loading of 0.2 wt%, which resulted in an initial relative humidity of 35-38%. These tests ran twice as long as those for Series 1 testing. The exposure condition was also found to impact the corrosion with salt-exposed surfaces showing lower corrosion resistance. Additional analyses of the Series 2 coupons are recommended especially for determining if cracks emanate from the bottom of pits. Data generated under the 2009 3013 corrosion test plan, as was presented here, increased the understanding of the corrosion process within a sealed 3013 container. Along with the corrosion data from destructive evaluations of 3013 containers, the inner can closure weld region (ICCWR) has been identified as the most vulnerable area of the inner can where corrosion may lead to corrosive species leaking to the interior surface of the outer container, thereby jeopardizing the integrity of the 3013 container. A new corrosion plan has been designed that will characterize the corrosion at the ICCWR of 3013 DEs as well as parameters affecting this corrosion.
Electrochemical mass transport kinetic model used to study metallurgical and mechanical effects of titanium alloy stress corrosion cracking
Weld overlays (WOL) of alloys believed to possess superior stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance due to their higher Cr content are typically applied over welds made with SCC-susceptible alloys with the expectation that they will act as a barrier to SCC. The objective of this work was to investigate the SCC behavior near or at the WOL interface. For this purpose, a 52M WOL was deposited on a double-J Alloy 182 weld using prototypical welding parameters. In the first set stage of this work, cracks were initiated in Alloy 182 and allowed to propagate in a direction perpendicular to the Alloy 52M WOL interface. Two identical tests conducted in this manner revealed that the average SCC propagation rates in Alloy 182 decreased by an order of magnitude to approx. 10-11 m/s by the time they reached the Alloy 52M interface, and that they continued to propagate past the interface into Alloy 52M at a similar rate. The post-test examination found that significant crack branching occurred at the interface between the two alloys, with SCC propagation along both the original direction into Alloy 52M and the interface between the two welds. Growth along the interface between the two welds was severe, with a rates estimated at approx. 10-10 m/s. While the average rate of propagation in Alloy 52M was measured to be in the 10-11 m/s range, the maximum SCC penetration into Alloy 52M was 2.5 mm which translates into an estimated maximum SCC rate an order of magnitude higher. Hence, in the second stage of this work – and this is the focus of this paper, confirmatory tests were conducted with the specimens aligned along the WOL interface. These tests substantiated the earlier findings: the SCC rate under constant load conditions at the interface between the two welds (20% Cr) was slightly faster than that in Alloy 52M near the interface (25% Cr), and both were in the 10-10 m/s range.
The use of eddy current techniques for the detection of outer diameter damage in tubing and many complex aerospace structures often requires the use of an inner diameter probe due to a lack of access to the outside of the part. In small bore structures the probe size and orientation are constrained by the inner diameter of the part, complicating the optimization of the inspection technique. Detection of flaws through a significant remaining wall thickness becomes limited not only by the standard depth of penetration, but also geometrical aspects of the probe. Recently, an orthogonal eddy current probe was developed for detection of such flaws in Space Shuttle Primary Reaction Control System (PRCS) Thrusters. In this case, the detection of deeply buried stress corrosion cracking by an inner diameter eddy current probe was sought. Probe optimization was performed based upon the limiting spatial dimensions, flaw orientation, and required detection sensitivity. Analysis of the probe/flaw interaction was performed through the use of finite and boundary element modeling techniques. Experimental data for the flaw detection capabilities, including a probability of detection study, will be presented along with the simulation data. The results of this work have led to the successful deployment of an inspection system for the detection of stress corrosion cracking in Space Shuttle Primary Reaction Control System (PRCS) Thrusters.
Recent experimental evidence from Sandia (2018) demonstrated partial microchannel plugging due to particulate deposition. A direct consequence is that the accuracy of consequence assessments can be improved by accounting for the leak path deposition of aerosol in the source term. The filtration effect of microchannels, such as cracks, is relevant to the source term assessments. An important side effect of aerosol deposition in leak paths could be the plugging of the leak path. This report summarizes current progress (as of end of FY19) on the development of a phenomenological model of aerosol transport, deposition, and plugging through microchannels. The purpose is to introduce a generic, reliable numerical model for prediction of aerosol transport, deposition, and plugging in leak paths that are similar to stress corrosion cracks while accounting for potential plugging formation. This effort includes (i) development of a numerical model to analyze the various deposition processes in leak paths and provide quantitative estimates of penetration factors, as well as an understanding of the variables that affect them, (ii) confirmation of model validity with theoretical and experimental data, and (iii) parametric analysis for different scenarios including various particle sizes, pressures, and crack dimensions. Such a model could be used to improve the accuracy of consequence assessments and reduce the uncertainty of radiological consequence predictive analyses by taking the filtering effect of leak path aerosol deposition and plugging into account in the source term. This report includes: (i) an overview of main stress corrosion cracking characteristics, (ii) an overview of the developed numerical model to analyze the various deposition processes in leak paths, to provide quantitative estimates of penetration factors, and to gain an understanding of the variables that affect them, (iii) a summary of validation results and verification of the model’s validity with recent experimental results from Sandia and others, and (iv) a model application example.
The dynamic strain rate ahead of a crack tip formed during stress corrosion cracking (SCC) under a static load is assumed to arise from the crack propagation. The strain surrounding the crack tip would be redistributed as the crack grows, thereby having the effect of dynamic strain. Recently, several studies have shown cold work to cause accelerated crack growth rates during SCC, and the slip-dissolution mechanism has been widely applied to account for this via a supposedly increased crack-tip strain rate in cold worked material. While these interpretations consider cold work as a homogeneous effect, dislocations are generated inhomogeneously within the microstructure during cold work. The presence of grain boundaries results in dislocation pile-ups that cause local strain concentrations. The local strains generated from cold working α-brass by tensile elongation were characterized using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The role of these local strains in SCC was studied by measuring the strain distributions from the same regions of the sample before cold work, after cold work, and after SCC. Though, the cracks did not always initiate or propagate along boundaries with pre-existing local strains from the applied cold work, the local strains surrounding the cracked boundaries had contributions from both the crack propagation and the prior cold work. - Highlights: • Plastic strain localization has a complex relationship with SCC susceptibility. • Surface relief created by cold work creates its own granular strain localization. • Cold work promotes crack growth but several other factors are involved.
Stress corrosion cracking of titanium alloys
Abstract Prediction and detection of the chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (CISCC) in Type 304 stainless steel spent nuclear fuel canisters are vital for the lifetime extension of dry storage canisters. This paper conducts a critical review that focuses on the numerical modeling and simulation on the research progress of the CISCC. The numerical models emphasizing the residual stress, susceptible microstructure, and corrosive environment are summarized individually. Meanwhile, the simulation studies on the role of hydrogen-assisted cracking are reviewed. Finally, a multi-physical numerical model, which combines the different fields is proposed based on our recent investigation.
Damage tolerance testing development was required to help qualify a new spin forming dome fabrication process for the Ares 1 program at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). One challenge of the testing was due to the compound curvature of the dome. The testing was developed on a sub-scale dome with a diameter of approximately 40 inches. The simulated service testing performed was based on the EQTP1102 Rev L 2195 Aluminum Lot Acceptance Simulated Service Test and Analysis Procedure generated by Lockheed Martin for the Space Shuttle External Fuel Tank. This testing is performed on a specimen with an induced flaw of elliptical shape generated by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) and subsequent fatigue cycling for crack propagation to a predetermined length and depth. The specimen is then loaded in tension at a constant rate of displacement at room temperature until fracture occurs while recording load and strain. An identical specimen with a similar flaw is then proof tested at room temperature to imminent failure based on the critical offset strain achieved by the previous fracture test. If the specimen survives the proof, it is then subjected to cryogenic cycling with loads that are a percentage of the proof load performed at room temperature. If all cryogenic cycles are successful, the specimen is loaded in tension to failure at the end of the test. This standard was generated for flat plate, so a method of translating this to a specimen of compound curvature was required. This was accomplished by fabricating a fixture that maintained the curvature of the specimen rigidly with the exception of approximately one-half inch in the center of the specimen containing the induced flaw. This in conjunction with placing the center of the specimen in the center of the load train allowed for successful testing with a minimal amount of bending introduced into the system. Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) tests were performed using the typical double beam assembly and with 4-point loaded specimens under alternate immersion conditions in a 3.5% NaCl environment for 90 days. In addition, experiments were conducted to determine the threshold stress intensity factor for SCC (K1SCC) of Al-Li 2195 which to our knowledge has not been determined previously. The successful simulated service and stress corrosion testing helped to provide confidence to continue to Ares 1 scale dome fabrication.
As part of ongoing research into primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) susceptibility of alloy 690 and its welds, SCC tests have been conducted on alloy 152/52 dissimilar metal (DM) welds with cracks positioned with the goal to assess weld dilution and fusion line effects on SCC susceptibility. No increased crack growth rate was found when evaluating a 20% Cr dilution zone in alloy 152M joined to carbon steel (CS) that had not undergone a post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). However, high SCC crack growth rates were observed when the crack reached the fusion line of that material where it propagated both on the fusion line and in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the carbon steel. Crack surface and crack profile examinations of the specimen revealed that cracking in the weld region was transgranular (TG) with weld grain boundaries not aligned with the geometric crack growth plane of the specimen. The application of a typical pressure vessel PWHT on a second set of alloy 152/52 – carbon steel DM weld specimens was found to eliminate the high SCC susceptibility in the fusion line and carbon steel HAZ regions. PWSCC tests were also performed on alloy 152-304SS DM weld specimens. Constant K crack growth rates did not exceed 5x10-9 mm/s in this material with post-test examinations revealing cracking primarily on the fusion line and slightly into the 304SS HAZ.
This document presents a summary of the ldrd project. The project consists in developing testing capability to address stress corrosion cracking issues in supercritical carbon dioxide. In addition, this project is generating corrosion data. This work aims to help select structural materials for supercritical carbon dioxide energy systems.
Understanding the potential risk of stress corrosion cracking of spent nuclear fuel dry storage canisters has been identified as a knowledge gap for determining the safety of long-term interim storage of spent nuclear fuel. To address this, the DOE is funding a multi-lab DOE effort to understand the timing, occurrence, and consequences of potential canister SCC. Sandia National Laboratories has developed a probabilistic model for canister penetration by SCC. This model has been continuously updated at SNL since 2014. Model uncertainties are treated using a nested loop structure, where the outer loop accounts for uncertainties due to lack of data and the inner aleatoric loop accounts for uncertainties due to variation in nature. By separating uncertainties into these categories, it is possible to focus future work on reducing the most influential epistemic uncertainties. Several experimental studies have already been performed to improve the modeling approach through expanded process understanding and improved model parameterization. The resulting code is physics-based and intended to inform future work by identifying (1) important modeling assumptions, (2) experimental data needs, and (3) necessary model developments. In this document, several of the sub-models in the probabilistic SCC model have been exercised, and the intermediate results, as the model progresses from one sub-model to the next, are presented. Evaluating the sub-models in this manner provides a better understanding of sub-model outputs and has identified several unintended consequences of model assumptions or parameterizations, requiring updates to the modeling approach. The following updates have been made, and future updates have been identified.
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Evaluation of mechanical and stress corrosion properties of cold worked A-286 alloy