In tensile testing, the ratio of maximum load to original cross-sectional area. Also called ultimate tensile strength.

Current that flows through the earth from an anodic to a cathodic area of a continuous metallic structure. Usually used only where the areas are separated by considerable distance and where the current results from concentration-cell action.

A metal that readily combines with oxygen at elevated temperatures to form very stable oxides, for example, titanium, zirconium, and beryllium. Reactive metals may also become embrittled by the interstitial absorption of oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Deterioration of wood in contact with iron-based alloys.

The slope (dE/di) at the corrosion potential of a potential (E)/current density (i) curve. Also used to describe the method of measuring corrosion rates using this slope.

The structure of a prepared surface of a metal as revealed by a microscope at a magnification exceeding 25x.

The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the amount of water vapor present in a given volume of air at a given temperature to the amount required to saturate the air at that temperature.

(1) Formation of a new, strain free grain structure from that existing in cold worked metal, usually accomplished by heating. (2) The change from one crystal structure to another, as occurs on heating or cooling through a critical temperature.

Short, discontinuous internal fissures in wrought metals attributed to stresses produced by localized transformation and decreased solubility of hydrogen during cooling after hot working. In a fracture surface. flakes appear as bright silvery areas; on an ...

A compound that causes reduction, thereby itself becoming oxidized.

A metallurgical term describing the formation of graphite in iron or steel, usually from decomposition of iron carbide at elevated temperatures. Not recommended as a term to describe graphitic corrosion.

Corrosion due to the action of "local cells," that is, galvanic cells resulting from inhomogeneities between adjacent areas on a metal surface exposed to an electrolyte.

Pitting resulting from ablation, outgassing or meteor contact.

Anchor pattern on a surface produced by abrasive blasting or acid treatment.

Spontaneous aging of a supersaturated solid solution at room temperature. See also aging. Compare with artificial aging.

Areas on a steel fracture surface having a characteristic white crystalline appearance.

The accelerated deterioration at the interface between contacting surfaces as the result of corrosion and slight oscillatory movement between the two surfaces; Deterioration at the interface between two contacting surfaces accelerated by relative motion b ...

A narrow zone in a metal corresponding to the transition from one crystallographic orientation to another, thus separating one grain from another; the atoms in each grain are arranged in an orderly pattern; the irregular junction of two adjacent grains is ...

Catastrophic brittle failure of a normally ductile metal when in contact with a liquid metal and subsequently stressed in tension.

A surface-active agent; usually an organic compound whose moleculei contain a hydrophilic group at one end and a lipophilic group at the other.