In situ observation of environmentally assisted crack initiation and short crack growth behaviour of new-generation 7xxx series alloys in humid air

Ryan Euesden, Yasser Al Aboura, Alistair Garner, Thomas Jailin, Cameron Grant, Zak Barrett, Christian Engel, Pratheek Shanthraj, Nigel Holroyd, Phil Prangnell, Timothy Burnett (Corresponding)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Large area, time resolved, in-situ optical scanning of constant displacement (four-point bend) tests has been used to monitor the environmentally assisted cracking (EAC) initiation and crack growth behaviour of AA7085 and AA7449 T7651 thick plate materials, exposed to warm-humid air (50 % RH & 70 °C). Subsequent fractography has revealed the dominant initiation sites originating at surface connected gas pore clusters, in combination with reactive Mg-containing constituent intermetallic compounds co-located on grain boundaries. Cracks were also shown to grow at stress intensities substantially below the KIEAC threshold measured via DCB testing, which should not therefore be taken as a limit below which EAC cannot occur.
Original languageEnglish
JournalCorrosion Science
Early online date16 Feb 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 May 2023

Keywords

  • Environmentally Assisted Cracking (EAC)
  • High strength aluminium alloys
  • Hydrogen Embrittlement
  • Crack Initiation

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