Manufacturing of representative axial stress corrosion cracks in tube specimens for eddy current testing

A crack manufacturing method is proposed for producing axial outer-diameter stress corrosion cracking (ODSCC) in Alloy 600 steam generator tube specimens. The process can be conducted at ambient conditions and, unlike conventional methods, it does not require complicated facilities. Eddy current testing and destructive examination data for the axial ODSCC specimens were compared with the available field crack data to determine whether those SCC specimens are representative in accordance with an existing industry guideline. Based on the results of our investigations, it was determined that the proposed method could be used to manufacture representative axial ODSCC in Alloy 600 tube specimens.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A method for producing axial stress corrosion cracks in Alloy 600 tubes was developed.
► The method can be conducted at ambient conditions.
► The response of crack specimens to eddy current testing was compared with field data.
► The crack specimens met the criteria for being representative of field cracks.