Stress-Corrosion Cracking
SCC is cracking from the combination of tensile stress, a susceptible material and a specific environment. It can fail parts with little visible corrosion.
Common SCC combinations
| Material | Environment |
|---|---|
| Austenitic stainless (304 / 316) | Chlorides, especially above about 60 C (140 F) |
| High-strength steel | Moist or aqueous environments (overlaps with environmental HE) |
| Brass | Ammonia |
| Precipitation-hardened alloys | Chlorides at high hardness |
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Stress corrosion cracking (SCC)
FAILURE MODE
What it is
SCC is cracking from the combination of tensile stress, a susceptible material and a specific
environment. It can fail parts with little visible corrosion.
Stress corrosion: cracks from stress plus
environment
Common SCC combinations
Material
Environment
Austenitic stainless (304 / 316)
Chlorides, especially above about 60 C (140 F)
High-strength steel
Moist or aqueous environments (overlaps with environmental HE)
Brass
Ammonia
Precipitation-hardened alloys
Chlorides at high hardness
Key points
Lowering hardness, changing alloy (e.g. duplex or nickel alloy) or controlling temperature and chlorides are the main fixes.
Governing standards: Materials engineering practice. Editions shown are the latest confirmed as of September 2026. The drawing and the governing standard always take
precedence over this sheet.
torquing any fastener. Verify the current governing standard, project documents, OEM requirements, size, thread, coating and lot certification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Fastener App disclaims liability
arising from reliance on this reference.
Fastener Guide reference FG-201C86 · thefastenerapp.com/fastener-guide/failure-analysis/stress-corrosion-cracking · © The Fastener App. Reference only — verify the current governing standard, drawing and manufacturer data before specifying or installing.

























