PIT FORMATION IN STAINLESS STEEL UNDER APPLIED STRESS WITH OR WITHOUT CHAMFERING.

The state of formed pits was examined on rectangular and chamfered specimens in deaerated 3%NaCl solution under various constant loads. The formation of pits proceeded gradually and led to deep pit with increasing holding time on pitting potential, and it was expressible as a function of time. The process of deep pit formation differed from SUS 304 and SUS 430. The pitting formation was promoted and accelerated by the presence of stress. The number of pits changed with increasing holding time of pitting potential and applied stress. The chamfering specimen had a tendency to inhibit the pitting formation to a certain extent. In addition, the surface condition (roughness) seemed to be the major factor on the pitting formation.