Constant Strain Rate Studies on Shot Peened Type 304 Stainless Steel in High Temperature Aqueous Environments

Abstract

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of stainless steel has significantly impacted the boiling water reactor industry during the past few years. Two key elements of the SCC phenomenon are known to be related to localized strain and the degree of sensitization. This paper describes the results of constant strain rate tests on shot peened Type 304 stainless steel in air saturated high purity water at 289 C. The constant strain rate results are correlated with the degree of sensitization, cold work, and electrochemical measurements.