A SUMMARY REPORT OF AN ESIS WORKING PARTY ON FRACTURE CONTROL GUIDELINES FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY ASSISTED CRACKING OF LOW ALLOY STEELS

Abstract

This paper provides guidelines for obtaining and using Environmentally Assisted Cracking (EAC) test data for low alloy steels, which are used in a wide range of industrial applications. Both fracture mechanics and non‐fracture mechanics tests are considered, but the emphasis is on using fracture mechanics as part of an overall strategy—a fracture control plan—to prevent or control EAC in service. Prevention is the usual strategy, but the control of crack growth is possible for thick‐walled components. Fracture control planning can, for low and medium strength steel structures, be directed to both preventing and controlling EAC in service. Show more