I don't believe that there is short of ripping it apart, and even then, cracks can be notoriously difficult to detect. Dyes and other techniques can sometimes detect faults, but I have not been able to find any reference to a test which is good enough to say for certain that no fault exists. A customer service rep at the Edson factory told me I should replace the chain and associated parts on their steering systems every 10 years because there is no way to tell if a crack problem exists. At least with a rudder, a single cracked weld is not likely to result in failure.
This link is to an article on chloride stress corrosion cracking which delves into the subject in some detail. It will download a pdf file. http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr902.pdf It is aimed primarily at chemical process vessels and piping, but the chemistry and physics are the same. We are dealing with chloride ions. It includes a chart on the differences between common stainless steels, including 304 and 316. Crack detection techniques and the problems associated are discussed. Steve Thomas C&C36 Merritt Island, FL ---- Elizabeth McDonald via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: Does anyone know of a test to check the integrity of the stainless steel tangs attached to the rudder post, inside the rudder? Jim McDonald Breakaweigh 1 Saint John NB Sent from my iPad _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are greatly appreciated! _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you like what we do, please help us pay for our costs by donating. All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
