Axially loaded tension specimens provide one of the most versatile methods of performing a stress-corrosion test because of the flexibility permitted in the choice of type and size of test specimen, stressing procedures, and range of stress levels.

The uniaxial stress system is simple; hence, this test method is often used for studies of stress-corrosion mechanisms. This type of test is amenable to the simultaneous exposure of unstressed specimens (no applied load) with stressed specimens and subsequent tension testing to distinguish between the effects of true stress corrosion and mechanical overload (2). Additional considerations in regard to the significance of the test results and their interpretation are given in Sections 6 and 10.

Wide variations in test results may be obtained for a given material and specimen orientation with different specimen sizes and stressing procedures. This consideration is significant especially in the standardization of a test procedure for interlaboratory comparisons or quality control.

1.1 This practice covers procedures for designing, preparing, and using ASTM standard tension test specimens for investigating susceptibility to stress-corrosion cracking. Axially loaded specimens may be stressed quantitatively with equipment for application of either a constant load, constant strain, or with a continuously increasing strain.

1.2 Tension test specimens are adaptable for testing a wide variety of product forms as well as parts joined by welding, riveting, or various other methods.

1.3 The exposure of specimens in a corrosive environment is treated only briefly because other standards are being prepared to deal with this aspect. Meanwhile, the investigator is referred to Practices G35, G36, G37, and G44, and to ASTM Special Technical Publication 425 (1).