GALVANIC STRESS POTENTIALS OF METALS

Abstract

The electrode potential of silver, brass, and steel wires under tensile stress have been measured in aqueous solutions of silver nitrate, copper sulphate, and ferrous sulphate, respectively. The stress potentials were continuously measured with a stabilized d-c. microvolt amplifier which made possible the study of the transient and the steady-state period during loading and unloading. The stressed silver and steel electrodes were cathodic with respect to the reference electrode, and the e.m.f. was approximately a linear function of the stress. The slope of the e.m.f.–stress curve for silver increased with decrease in electrolyte concentration. The stressed brass electrode was anodic with respect to the reference electrode and the e.m.f. varied linearly with stress only for 1 N CuSO4.