Author(s)

G. Gabetta & L. Tonf

Abstract

The effect of oxide layers and corrosion pit in the phases of crack nucleation is discussed in this paper with reference to fatigue in environment. The principles and testing methods of fracture mechanics are used but the effect of agressive environment is taken into account. Time dependent effects and a different behaviour of the metallic material in presence of environment are considered. The hypothesis is dicussed of a shift in the boundaries between the field of application of Micro structural Fracture Mechanics, Elastoplastic Fracture Mechanics and Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics. 1 Introduction Metallic components operating in contact with aqueous environment may be subjected to cracking due to the combined influence of appl

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