On relating quasi-static load threshold K1scc to K1c.

It is common to observe that monotonic K_1c (lab air) and K_1scc (NaCl solution) decrease with increasing YS of an alloy. K_1c is measured in lab air and K_1scc in an aqueous solution such as NaCl. It is noted that K_1c is not considered as a subcritical parameter while K_1scc is. Interestingly, for a given alloy, both these parameters seem to be inter-related. That is, K_1scc is linearly related to K_1c, such that K_1scc increases with increasing K_1c. This may indicate that plasticity is affecting the K_1scc behavior. This article looks into the conditions that affect K_1scc for steels, Al-alloys, and Ti-alloys. This linear variation of K_1scc with K_1c seems to be independent of alloy YS, E, microstructure, and work hardening rate. This observation seems similar in all three systems of alloys. How these parameters are interrelated is analyzed and discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]