H. H. Uhlig

Bio: H. H. Uhlig is an academic researcher from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Cathodic protection & Corrosion. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 43 citations.

Corrosion fatigue of type 4140 high strength steel

Abstract: Fatigue tests were carried out on 4140 steel heat treated to various hardness levels. Environmental effects are reported in dry and moist air, aerated and deaerated 3 pet NaCl solution, and under conditions of cathodic protection and of passivity. Critical corrosion rates were measured below which the environment does not affect fatigue life. The results are interpreted in terms of environmentally-induced plastic deformation.

Bibliography of information on mechanics of structural failure (hydrogen embrittlement, protective coatings, composite materials, NDE)

Abstract: This bibliography is comprised of approximately 1,600 reference citations related to four problem areas in the mechanics of failure in aerospace structures. The bibliography represents a search of the literature published in the period 1962-1976, the effort being largely limited to documents published in the United States. Listings are subdivided into the four problem areas: Hydrogen Embrittlement; Protective Coatings; Composite Materials; and Nondestructive Evaluation. An author index is included.

Crack size effects on the chemical driving force for aqueous corrosion fatigue

Abstract: Small crack size accelerates corrosion fatigue propagation through high strength 4130 steel in aqueous 3 pct NaCl. The size effect is attributed to crack geometry dependent mass transport and electrochemical reaction processes which govern embrittlement. For vacuum or moist air, growth rates are defined by stress intensity range independent of crack size (0.1 to 40 mm) and applied maximum stress (0.10 to 0.95 Φys). In contrast small (0.1 to 2 mm) surface elliptical and edge cracks in saltwater grow up to 500 times faster than long (15 to 40 mm) cracks at constant δK. Small cracks grow along prior austenite grain boundaries, while long cracks propagate by a brittle transgranular mode associated with tempered martensite. The small crack acceleration is maximum at low δK levels and decreases with increasing crack length at constant stress, or with increasing stress at constant small crack size. Reductions in corrosion fatigue growth rate correlate with increased brittle transgranular cracking. Crack mouth opening, proportional to the crack solution volume to surface area ratio, determines the environmental enhancement of growth rate and the proportions of inter- and transgranular cracking. Small cracks grow at rapid rates because of enhanced hydrogen production, traceable to increased hydrolytic acidification and reduced oxygen inhibition within the occluded cell.

A unified mechanism of stress corrosion and corrosion fatigue cracking

Abstract: A mechanism of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is outlined in which anodic dissolution at film rupture sites relieves strain hardening and reduces the fracture stress at the crack tip. Experimental evidence is cited to suggest that relief of strain hardening occurs by interaction of subsurface dislocations with divacancies generated by the anodic dissolution. A transgranular crack propagates by accumulation of divacancies on prismatic planes which then separate by cleavage under plane strain conditions at the crack tip. At appropriate metallurgical and chemical conditions, anodic dissolution and/or divacancy migration may be enhanced at grain boundaries, leading to an intergranular failure mode. Evidence is also available to indicate that cyclic loading relieves strain hardening. Relief of strain hardening by combined cyclic loading and corrosion accounts for the higher incidence of corrosion fatigue cracking (CFC) without the requirement of any critical dissolved species. Data on fatigue of stainless steel at elevated temperature in both vacuum and air provide additional support for the proposed mechanism.