Fatigue corrosion is defined as the combined effect of corrosion and what?

• A. Stress applied in cycles to a component
• B. Temperature changes
• C. Humidity
• D. UV radiation

Answer: (A)

Fatigue corrosion refers to the damage that occurs when a material is subjected to cyclic mechanical stress in a corrosive environment. Repeated loading creates and propagates cracks, and the presence of corrosion accelerates both crack initiation and growth, allowing failure at stresses much lower than the material’s static strength. The defining element is the combination of cyclic stress and a corrosive environment driving crack development.

Other factors like temperature changes, humidity, or UV radiation can influence corrosion or material behavior, but they are not the defining feature of corrosion fatigue. The key idea is the synergy between stress cycles and a corrosive environment that promotes crack growth.