A loss in ductility accompanied by an increase in hardness and strength that occurs when low-carbon steel (especially rimmed or capped steel) is aged following plastic deformation. The degree of embrittlement is a function of aging time and temperature, o ...

A plot of the redox potential of a corroding system versus the pH of the system, compiled using thermodynamic data and the Nernst equation. The diagram shows regions within which the metal itself or some of its compounds are stable.

A single, solid, homogeneous crystalline phase containing two or more chemical species.

A conjoint action involving corrosion and erosion in the presence of a moving corrosive fluid, leading to the accelerated loss of material.

(1) Before finishing to final dimensions, repeatedly heating a ferrous or nonferrous part to or slightly above its normal operating, temperature and then cooling to room temperature to ensure dimensional stability in service. (2) Transforming retained aus ...

Factor for a loading condition that displaced the crack faces in a direction normal to the crack plane (also known as the opening mode of deformation).

One of the relatively scarce and valuable metals: gold, silver, and the platinum-group metals. Also called noble metal(s).

See Pourbaix (potential-pH) diagram.

When an electrode reaches dynamic equilibrium in a solution, the rate of anodic dissolution balances the rate of cathodic plating. The rate at which either positive or negative charges are entering or leaving the surface at this point is known as the exch ...

Being or composed of matter other than hydrocarbons and their derivatives, or matter that is not of plant or animal origin. Contrast with organic.

The component of either a liquid or solid solution that is present to a lesser or minor extent: the component that is dissolved in thesolution.

An increase in hardness and strength caused by plastic deformation at temperatures below the recrystallization range.

See embrittlement.

See principal stress (normal).

The shear stress on a transverse cross section resulting from u twisting action.

Corrosion testing in a boiling solution of nitric acid. This test is mainly used to detect the susceptibilty to intergranular corrosion of stainless steel.

Heating an alloy to a suitable temperature, holding at that temperature long enough to cause one or more constituents to enter into solid solution, and then cooling rapidly enough to hold these constituents in solution.

The permanent (inelastic) distortion of metals under applied stresses that strain the material beyond its elastic limit.

The reciprocal of polarization resistance (di/dE).

The reaction of a metal or alloy with a sulfur-containing species to produce a sulfur compound that forms on or beneath the surface on the metal or alloy.