Nucleation and propagation of stress corrosion cracks: Modeling by cellular automata and finite element analysis

The stress corrosion cracking process of pipeline steel was modeled using cellular automata and finite element analysis, the initiation and propagation of the cracks were simulated. Before the initiation of cracks, the extent of pitting corrosion was revealed to be controlled by anodic reactions and mechanical factors, in which electro-chemical corrosion played a leading role. The deposition of corrosion products created a diffusion barrier be-tween the reactants participating in the corrosion process, limiting the rate of electrochemical reactions. During the crack propagation process, the mechanochemical effects caused by plastic deformation promoted anodic dissolution at the crack tip, driving crack propagation.