The effect of the crystallographic texture on intergranular stress corrosion crack paths

Abstract

Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) crack paths usually travel perpendicular to the applied load direction. Some instances of crack paths propagating in directions away from the perpendicular have been observed in low carbon steels. This study shows that the crystallographic texture is a critical factor that drives the IGSCC crack path. Residual shear strain induced by shear texture (induced by rolling processes) explains the inclination of the cracks at a certain depth and the continuous propagation of the cracks along the transverse directions. The residual strains coming from the manufacturing processes determine the crack propagation paths. © 2014, Elsevier B.V.