Corrosion characteristics and mechanical properties degradation of stressed high-strength steel wires in acidic environment

This study investigates the corrosion behavior and degradation of mechanical properties in stressed high-strength steel wires within acidic environment. Based on electrochemical accelerated corrosion testing, the corrosion characteristics of high-strength steel wires under different stress levels and corrosion durations were analyzed. A time-varying prediction formula for the uniform corrosion degree has been established and statistical laws of pitting corrosion characteristics are identified. Furthermore, the tensile test was conducted to summarize the fracture characteristics of the steel wires and analyze the degradation law of mechanical properties. Regression analysis was employed to quantify the relationship between corrosion characteristics and the degradation of mechanical properties and a formula describing the time-dependent degradation of ultimate load was derived. Results show that applied stress markedly hastened diameter reduction of the wires. At the micro level, the dimensions of pits in both dimensions also develop faster under the action of stress, and the width-depth ratio decreases as the stress increases, resulting in pits that deepen rather than widen. At constant stress levels, the elastic modulus of the steel wire remained stable with increased corrosion duration, whereas ultimate strain and ultimate load decreased. These findings enhance the understanding of the corrosion development and mechanical deterioration of high-strength steel wires and can be used to practical engineering for fundamental assessments of corrosion severity and residual strength.