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Static fatigue, sometimes referred to as delayed fracture, describes the progressive cracking and eventual failure of materials under a constant, sustained stress. [1] (It is different from fatigue, which refers to the deformation and eventual failure of materials subjected to cyclical stresses.) With static fatigue materials experience damage or failure under stress levels that are lower than their normal ultimate tensile strengths. [2] The exact details vary with the material type and environmental factors, such as moisture presence [3] and temperature. [4] [5] This phenomenon is closely related to stress corrosion cracking. [1]
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) happens when a stressed material is in a corrosive (chemically destructive) environment. [6] One example of SSC embrittlement is when moisture increases static fatigue degradation of glass. [7] SCC is also seen in hydrogen embrittlement [8] [9] and embrittlement of some polymers. [10]
Plastic deformation happens when stresses flatten, bend, or twist a material until it cannot return to its original shape. [11] This can create cracks in the material and decrease its lifetime. [12]
Static fatigue tests can be used to determine the lifespan of a material with different loads and environmental conditions. [13] [14] However, accurately assessing a material's true static fatigue life presents challenges, as these tests often require an extended duration and there is significant variability in the results. [13]
Plastic pipes under water or other fluids experience hydrodynamic forces that can result in fatigue. [15] The pipes reach failure sooner as temperatures and exposure to aggressive substances increase. [15]