One of the major causes of failure of conventional stainless steels in sea water and other chloride containing environments is attack by crevice corrosion with the result that several special grades with improved resistance have been developed. A new technique has been developed using a mathematical model combined with experimental polarisation studies, which can be used to predict resistance to this type of attack. The technique is described and an example of its use in relation to a number of standard and special alloys in sea water is given.
