The effect of a single tensile overload on stress corrosion cracking growth of stainless steel in a light water reactor environment

► The affect of a single tensile overload on SCC growth rate is investigated. ► A single tensile overload would produce a residual plastic strain in the SCC tip. ► The residual plastic strain would decrease the plastic strain rate in the SCC tip. ► A single tensile overload would cause crack growth rate retardation in the SCC tip. ► SCC growth rate in the quasi-stationary crack tip is relatively lower.