Official Answer
Answer
SCC is a failure mechanism where the combined effect of tensile stress and a corrosive environment (like chlorides or hydrogen sulfide) causes brittle cracking in otherwise ductile materials. For 17-7PH wave springs, high residual stresses from coiling and aging can make them susceptible if used in marine or sour gas environments. Failure is characterized by intergranular or transgranular cracks that propagate perpendicular to the principal tensile stress. Mitigation strategies include using more resistant alloys like Inconel 718 or MP35N, and ensuring that the spring is properly stress-relieved and passivated.
