The use of percolation theory to predict the probability of failure of sensitized, austenitic stainless steels by intergranular stress corrosion cracking.
Wells DB., Stewart J., Herbert AW., Scott PM., William DE.
A theoretical model of a sensitized polycrystalline grain structure was developed. The percentage of sensitized grain boundary facets necessary to satisfy each percolation criterion was numerically calculated using computer experiments. Sensitization in A151 type 304 stainless steel was quantitatively evaluated. Theoretically derived failure criteria were compared with results of intergranular stress corrosion cracking experiments conducted on A151 type 304 stainless steel in thiosulphate solution over a range of heat treatments. (from authors' abstract)