ENDURANCE LIMIT ENHANCEMENT OF STRUCTURAL STEEL IN SEA WATER BY CATHODIC PROTECTION

The phenomenon of endurance limit enhancement, whereby the fatigue limit of notched structural steel in sea water is increased by cathodic polarization to above the value in air, has previously been reported. The magnitude of enhancement has been shown to vary with potential, specimen size and frequency; and the effect itself has been rationalized in terms of calcareous deposits which form within the crack and either reduce the effective stress intensity range or interfere with surface slip. Additional experiments are reported which bear upon occurrence of endurance limit enhancement in large components and members. The results are discussed with regard to welded tubular joints of offshore structures, and a cathodic protection system design is proposed which takes advantage of endurance limit enhancement in such applications.

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 1331

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00331581
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: British Ship Research Association
  • Report/Paper Numbers: Vol. 2 Proceeding
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: May 21 1981 12:00AM