Effect of stress on electrochemical characteristics of pre-cracked ultrahigh strength stainless steel in acid sodium sulphate solution

The electrochemical behaviors of ultrahigh strength stainless steel Cr12Ni5MoCo14 at crack tip under applied stress were studied by micro-electrochemical measurements as well as finite element analysis. The non-uniform distribution of the stress and strain induces a higher electrochemical activity at crack tip and promotes the anodic dissolution rate. The corrosion rate increases with increasing applied stress. In the elastic stress range, the effect of the applied stress on the electrochemical behaviors of Cr12Ni4Mo2Co14 steel is small. In the plastic stress range, the plastic deformation has a dramatic effect on the mechanical-electrochemical interaction and enhances the anodic activity.