The correct answer is:
(a) True
Explanation:
Thermal gradient-induced stress cracking can occur when there are variations in temperature across the metal wall, leading to internal stresses. These stresses can contribute to the initiation of stress corrosion cracking (SCC), particularly in materials that are susceptible to this type of failure.
When a metal is subjected to uneven heating or cooling, a thermal gradient is created, and the differential expansion or contraction across the material can result in tensile stresses. If these stresses exceed the material's fracture toughness in the presence of a corrosive environment, stress corrosion cracking can occur.
Thus, thermal gradients across the metal wall can indeed cause stress corrosion cracking under certain conditions, making the statement true.