SCC Problems

1. (a)
A propeller blade is made from an aluminum alloy AA-7076-T6 (which is specifically designed
for propeller blade applications). The alloy has a yield stress of 500MPa and a toughness of 25
MPam. During operation the radial stress in the blade is expected to be 250 MPa. Before
entering service the blade is proof tested by rotating it sufficiently fast to generate a radial stress
of 300 MPa. If it passes the proof test it is then put into service, if it fails then it is deemed unfit
for service. What is the difference in the length of crack that will cause failure during the proof
test compared to the crack length to cause failure during service?
1.1

Assume that the SIF equation for the crack is

(b)
During service the propeller is susceptible to stress corrosion cracking which occurs at a
crack growth rate of 1 x 10-10 m/second. What is the minimum time required for the stress
corrosion crack to cause fast fracture after proof testing and entering service? Assume that the
crack growth rate is independent of stress intensity, but comment on the validity of the
assumption (i.e. will this result in an under-estimate or an over-estimate of the time to Fracture).
[(a) 0.8 mm, (b) about 2222 hours, over-estimate]
SOLUTION
(a) YS = 500 MPa, K1c = 25 MPam, app = 250 MPa, proof = 300 MPa
For Proof Test:
1.1

1.83

During Service:
.

2.63

a = 2.63 - 1.83 = 0.8 mm.

(b)
1

10

10

2222

Assumption will over estimate time to fracture, i.e. actual time to fracture will lower, because
increasing da/dt during stage III growth is not taken into account in this calculation.

2.
An Aluminum all 7049-T73 is to for a
structural component that will be exposed
to a marine environment. Laboratory
testing of the alloy before application
included fatigue and stress corrosion crack
growth testing in and environment of 3,5%
NaCl to simulate the marine conditions.
Regardless of whether the loading was
cyclic or monotonic and regardless of the
cyclic frequency, the same time based
crack growth rate was measured. What
does that tell you about the cracking which
occurred. Briefly explain your answer.

(b)
The yield stress for the 7049-T73 is 500 MPa and the stress corrosion crack growth rate is shown
in the figure. If the applied stress is 350 MPa and an edge crack of 0.25 mm is detected, how
long will it take this crack to grow to 2 mm in length. [600 hours]
(c)
If the fracture toughness is 35 MPam, estimate the time to failure for the conditions of part (b).
Comment on whether your estimate is greater of less than the actual time to failure.
[ 1017 hours]
SOLUTION
(a)
The result that crack growth is time dependent and independent of the cyclic rate, indicates that
the damage occurring is predominantly due to stress corrosion cracking. Fatigue cracking is
cycle dependent and in harsh environments also depends on the loading frequency. Stress
corrosion cracking is time dependent only.
(b)
app = 350 MPa, ao = 0.25 mm, af = 2 mm
K0.25 = 350 ( x 0.25x10 -3) = 9.8 MPam

K2 = 350 ( x 2x10-3) = 27.7 MPam

from the plot given, the crack growth rate for K between 9.8 and 27.7 is about 8x10-10m/s.

= 2.2

10

610

KIC = 35 MPam

(c)

3.18
.

= 3.76

10

1017

Creep Problems
1. The all Inconel 718 was tested at a stress of 810 MPa and a temperature of 650 oC. The alloy
was tested in three conditions (a) un-deformed, (b) cold rolled and (c) shock hardened (by
explosives). The results to rupture are shown in the figure and given below for the conditions
tested
(a) undeformed,

tR = 110 hours

(b) cold rolled

tR = 130 hours

(c) shock hardened

tR = 200 hours

Using the Larsen-Miller parameter determine the times to rupture if this alloy is used at a
temperature of 550 0C and the same stress level. (take C = 17)
Solution
PLM = T(log tR +C)
T = 650 +273 = 923 K
For (a)

923(log 110 +17) = 17,575

For (a)

923(log 130 +17) = 17,642

For (a)

923(log 200 +17) = 17,814

At 550 0C T = 550 +273 = 823 K

For (a)

log

17

22649

For (b)

log

17

27302

For (c)

log

17

44177

2.
An alloy fails after 3500 hours at 6500C and a stress level of 310 MPa. If the same stress
were applied at 750oC, what would be the failure time? Assume C=20.
[15.8 hours]
use the Larson-Miller parameter:
(650+273 ) (20+log3500 ) = (750+273)(20+logt )
t =15.8 hours
Note: a relatively small increase in temperature causes a big drop in creep life. This is
typical for thermally activated processes

3.
If the Larson-Miller parameter for an alloy is 26,000, by how much would the rupture
life be estimated to decrease if the test temperature is increased from 1100 to 1250K? Assume
C=20.
[life decreases by 4923 hours]

SOLUTION
At 1100 K
26000 =T(20+logtr )
26000 + 1100 (20+logtr )
Log tr = 3.636
tr = 4929 hours
at 1250 K:
26000 = 1250(20+log tr) or tr = 6.3 hours
Reduction = 4929 - 6.3 = 4923 hrs