Electrochemistry Numerical Study of Stress Corrosion Cracking under Near-Neutral Soil Solution

Abstract

Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) is a phenomenon in which cracks develop in certain materials due to a combination of stress and corrosion. This process is commonly observed in low-alloy steels with a ferritic-pearlitic structure, such as X70, which are often used in buried pipeline applications within the oil and gas industry. These materials are particularly susceptible to SCC failure in dilute solutions. To simulate SCC conditions, the Near-neutral simulated soil solution (NS4) has been established as a widely accepted industry standard for conducting crack growth experiments in many laboratories. This paper aims to investigate the role of electrochemistry in SCC under near-neutral soil solution conditions by presenting a numerical study using COMSOL on the effects of applied potential on corrosion rate in near-neutral soil solutions. According to the findings, the electrode thickness, current density, and corrosion rates were mostly affected by an applied potential of -1.2 V. This implies that slight modifications in the applied voltage can greatly influence the corrosion rate of the electrode. This outcome aligns with prior research on the influence of potential on electrode performance and emphasizes the crucial role of precise control of the applied potential in electrochemical systems.