This grant examines the mechanism of stress corrosion cracking in metal alloys. The corrosion-assisted cleavage (CAC) model for transgranular stress corrosion cracking is tested for oriented single crystal copper-gold alloys. Experiments involve monitoring transient effects on load, extension, current, and acoustic emission during crack propagation. Effects of dealloying are noted. Film-forming systems, e.g. alpha brass and stainless steel, are examined to determine the appropriate model for this behavior. Intergranular stress corrosion is considered for oriented bicrystals of copper-gold alloys and alpha brass. %%% This research explores stress corrosion cracking, an important failure problem in structural metal alloys. Understanding the mechanism of fracture can lead to appropriate corrective measures.
