Experimental Investigation of Stress Corrosion Cracking in Pipes Used in Marine Industries

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a critical failure mechanism in pipes deployed in marine industries, where the combined action of tensile stress and corrosive environments leads to unexpected and often catastrophic failures. This study addresses the urgent need to understand the SCC behavior of pipes, particularly those made from polymeric materials such as polyurethane, under simulated marine conditions. An experimental approach was adopted, involving the fabrication of test specimens and the application of controlled mechanical stress in the presence of artificial seawater. The investigation utilized a three-point bending device, as depicted in the attached images, to simulate operational stresses while monitoring the initiation and propagation of cracks. The results indicate that SCC susceptibility is significantly influenced by the pipe material, stress intensity, and the presence of specific ions in the marine environment. Pipes with polyurethane mandrels demonstrated improved resistance to crack initiation compared to traditional metallic pipes. The findings provide valuable insights for material selection and design optimization in marine applications. The study concludes with recommendations for further research on composite materials and advanced coatings to mitigate SCC in harsh marine environments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Stress corrosion cracking ، Marine pipes ، Polyurethane ، Three-point bending ، Experimental analysis