Stress Corrosion Cracking Testing for the Nuclear Industry
Lucideon is home to the largest and most sophisticated high temperature water corrosion facility in the world. Through its prior association with GE Global Research, the lab has amassed over 10,000,000 hours of stress corrosion cracking testing experience in a variety of environmental conditions, including BWR and PWR nuclear applications and corrosion science.
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) is a critical failure mechanism affecting metals, ceramics, and polymers, caused by the combined influence of tensile stress, a corrosive environment, and a material susceptible to cracking. It often initiates with microscopic defects or pits and progresses through a cycle of corrosion and mechanical crack growth, eventually leading to sudden and brittle component failure. Cracks typically follow the direction of maximum tensile stress and may exhibit visible branching. High-strength steels, stainless steels, and alloys exposed to aggressive media, such as chlorides or caustics, are particularly vulnerable - especially in high-pressure or hydrogen-rich environments. Failures due to SCC can be unexpected and catastrophic; the precise cause of the failure being difficult to predict without extensive real-world testing.
In the field of BWR and PWR corrosion science, stress corrosion cracking testing is the best preventative measure to ensure long-term safety and offers a valuable means to extend the operational life of nuclear reactors by mitigating risks associated with material degradation under stress
Housed in a dedicated facility are thirty-two computer-controlled servo loading systems, with capability up to 250kN. Each stand is equipped with a high-temperature autoclave with excellent temperature control, a closed loop water chemistry control system, and a high-resolution DCPD crack growth measurement system.
An extensive support infrastructure provides a stable and reliable testing environment, which is critical for SCC testing. Multiple power control and backup systems include a large central uninterruptible power supply (UPS) on all critical electrical systems, backed up by an emergency diesel generator with automatic transfer in the event of power failures.
Additional systems include a building-wide tempered water system to ensure thermal stability of the aqueous test environment, and centralised distribution of gases and ultra-high purity water to all systems.
With technical direction provided through the world-renowned expert in SCC Dr. Peter Andresen, and a combined experience of over 100 years' worth of SCC testing at Lucideon, we have established the "gold standard” for stress corrosion cracking testing across the world. Moreover, SCC testing can be applied to other materials designed for use in harsh and extreme environments, making it highly relevant for diverse applications such as other energy sectors and extreme conditions in space.
Lucideon is also an approved member of the ICG-EAC group (www.icg-eac.org).
Corrosion consultancy
Our corrosion expertise and consultancy services have been vital for industries looking to prevent material degradation, extend asset lifespan, and ensure safety in challenging environments. At Lucideon, our corrosion consultancy services provide expert analysis and tailored solutions for identifying, mitigating, and preventing corrosion across a wide range of sectors, including energy, aerospace, marine, and construction. We combine advanced testing methods, such as electrochemical analysis, salt spray testing, and metallographic evaluation, with materials expertise to assess corrosion behavior under real-world conditions.
Our consultants work closely with clients to diagnose root causes, recommend material or coating alternatives, and optimise design and maintenance strategies. Whether you're facing galvanic corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, or atmospheric exposure issues, our corrosion consultancy helps you make informed decisions that reduce risk and improve performance.
White Papers
This white paper outlines analysis techniques for measuring concentrations of corrosion-assisting elements in nuclear reactors
Lucideon has developed geopolymer formulations for diverse applications and has built the understanding to control important characteristics
A geopolymer formulation characterized by a low initial viscosity, suitable to immobilise a wide range of waste types such as oils, chemicals and solid waste, is introduced and characterised