MagBen..
In suceptible aluminum alloys, I've found SCC primarily oriented in the grain-elongation direction [as-rolled/extruded/forged axis]; VS fatigue cracks which are usually transverse to the local tensile/shear strain-field.
Problem with SCC is that it usually ititiates/propagates at an exposed grain edge [machined-edge/surface-thru grains, drilled/reamed holes, etc...thru the thickness] usually in the ST [short transverse, thru]-in-the-L [long, grain-elongation] direction. HOWEVER, this "common orientation can be trued-on edge by the SCC phenomnea: those same alloys can also be susceptible to SCC in the LT-[transverse]-to-L direction within the metal-laminate/thickness [this is usually described as inner-laminar corrosion] which appears to splinter-off layers of metals.
NOTE. SCC usually does not initiate in thin wrought materials...or zones on/adjacent-to wrought surfaces in thicker materials... due to localized compression stresses caused by the cold-working effects from the wrough processing.
Other alloys, specifically titanium and steel alloys included, have different SCC forms/conditions, depending on alloy/HT state, wrought-method, induced or inherent material defects, extent of machining [exposing grain-ends], etc.
Regards, Wil Taylor
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