The effect of temperature on stress corrosion crack growth rates was studied using four commercial alloys: An Al-Mg-Zn alloy (7000-Series), an Al-Cu alloy (2000 -Series), a Mg-rare earth alloy and a Zr 2. 5% Nb alloy. Stress Corrosion crack growth rate data were obtained using
fracture mechanic specimens which were tested in high purity water in the temperature range of -1O°C to 320°C, depending on the alloy. Attention was directed towards region II behaviour, where the crack propagation rate is independent of stress intensity but sensitive to test temperature. The experimental activation energies of the different alloys were compared with literature on ratecontrolling steps in order to identify the possible stress corrosion cracking mechanisms. The results were also compared with the activation energies obtained from general corrosion and hydrogen diffusion experiments.
Key words: stress corrosion cracking, region II crack growth, activation energies, rate controlling processes