Influence of metallurgical variables on environment-sensitive cracking of austenitic alloys

Abstract

The influence of metallurgical variables on the environment-sensitive cracking of austenitic Fe—er—Ni alloys, in particular austenitic stainless steels, has been examined. It has been demonstrated that the cracking susceptibility is sensitive to such metallurgical variables as composition, grain size, microstructure, thermal treatment, and radiation damage. Environment sensitive cracking has been classified as selective dissolution of an active path (deformation structures, Cr-depleted zone, and segregations) and hydrogen-induced cracking. The common metallurgical factors involved in stress-corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement of these alloys are identified. Finally, possible aspects of the role and mechanism of hydrogen-induced cracking in environment-sensitive cracking are discussed.