Highlights  Stress-assisted localised corrosion is simulated using cellular automata finite element approach.  Localised corrosion component of the damage is modelled using cellular automata.  Stress concentration effect of pit geometry is analysed using finite element method.  A feedback loop between the cellular automaton and finite element models allows simulation of stress-assisted localised corrosion.  Comparison of simulation results with experimental measurements show good agreement.

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The influence of separation distance between pre-induced corrosion pits on both crack initiation and fatigue lifetimes is studied in an air environment by testing specimens containing pit pairs in the low-stress, high cycle fatigue regime. The results of these tests are compared with equivalent tests with samples containing similar sized single pit. Within the scope of pit sizes and separation distances investigated, when the separation distance is below a threshold, decreasing the separation distance between pits leads to earlier onset of crack initiation and decreased fatigue lifetimes; this threshold being dependent on the applied stress and relative pit sizes. When the separation distance is above this threshold, multiple pits tend to behave independently of each other. The implication of the results from the viewpoint of structural integrity assessment of components containing flaws such as corrosion pits in close proximity is discussed.