Crack propagation in grade 2 and grade 3 titanium was investigated, both in an inert oil and in a 6%NaCl solution under anodic and cathodic potential control. At an applied cathodic potential, hydrogen was generated and could enhance crack propagation, especially for grade 3 titanium. The fracture surface and appearance of the crack tip were
examined in detail by scanning electron microscopy. This analysis showed that crack propagation was controlled by plastic deformation at the crack tip in alpha-titanium. If hydrides were formed in the area ahead of the crack tip during crack propagation, they could create microcracks that could link up with the growing crack. The coalescence of these microcracks through plastic tearing of the matrix provides a preferred crack propagation path. If the hydrides were not present, the sample would fail by ductile tearing. A finite element model was applied to this problem to determine the parameters controlling crack growth.