The Effect of Fluid Flow on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of AISI 304 Stainless Steel in 0.01M Na₂SO₄ Solution at 280 C

The stress corrosion cracking of sensitized AISI 304 stainless steel in high temperature (280 C) 0.01M Na₂SO₄ solution has been studied as a function of flow velocity and applied potential over a range that spans the critical potential for intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC). Flow velocity (0 to 8 cm/s) was found to have no discernible effect on the critical potential for IGSCC, with the possible exception of a greater propensity toward intergranular fracture under static as opposed to flowing conditions at a potential of −500 mV_H.