A theoretical-experimental model describing the process of crack growth in sour environments is presented. The model is applied to metallic materials and makes use of the material mechanical properties,
stress state and specimen geometry. Fracture mechanics concepts are used together with time evolution equations of stress and deformation states and hydrogen concentration at material points. In particular,
wedge loaded Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimens of different thickness were considered. The model predicts lower apparent Kissc for thinner specimens, in agreement with existing experimental data.
Keywords: Metallic material, Sour environment, Sulfide stress cracking, Double Cantilever Beam, Stress state, Specimen geometry, Hydrogen Concentration, Crack growth, Stress intensity factor.