Types of Corrosion and Their Effects on
November 2014 Tej Kulkarni
Types of Corrosion and Their Effects on Aircraft Structural Integrity
Introduction
Today the vast majority of aircraft are made out of various types of metal. All metals are susceptible to corrosion which is why from the moment that any metallic aircraft component is manufactured it is treated to prevent corrosion. Certain elements are often added to base metals by manufacturers in order to create corrosion resistant alloys and metallic components are normally coated with corrosion resistant chemicals and paints before they are sold. Today some airplanes are made of composite materials which are not susceptible to corrosion however these planes have metal components which need to be properly treated and maintained in order to prevent corrosion as well.
Types of Corrosion
Corrosion is the degradation of metal and can be caused chemically or electromechanically. Corrosion can take place on the surface of a metal as well as internally and is synonymous to the rotting of wood which can change the profile of a surface, weaken the interior and loosen or damage other components that are in contact with them. The combination of water, water vapour, oxygen and salt in the air all contribute to the most common forms of corrosion. Consequently aircraft that are operated in close proximity to bodies of water or that are located in industrial areas where chemicals are present in the air are very susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion is a major issue in aviation because it can jeopardize the safety of any flight.
As previously mentioned there are two general types of corrosion chemical and electromechanical. Each form of corrosion converts some metal into compounds like oxides, hydroxides and sulfates. These compounds are created when oxidation and reduction take place simultaneously on a metallic surface. Oxidation is where electrons are removed from the metal and reduction is where electrons are used in order to convert oxygen and
Types of Corrosion and Their Effects on Aircraft Structural Integrity
Introduction
Today the vast majority of aircraft are made out of various types of metal. All metals are susceptible to corrosion which is why from the moment that any metallic aircraft component is manufactured it is treated to prevent corrosion. Certain elements are often added to base metals by manufacturers in order to create corrosion resistant alloys and metallic components are normally coated with corrosion resistant chemicals and paints before they are sold. Today some airplanes are made of composite materials which are not susceptible to corrosion however these planes have metal components which need to be properly treated and maintained in order to prevent corrosion as well.
Types of Corrosion
Corrosion is the degradation of metal and can be caused chemically or electromechanically. Corrosion can take place on the surface of a metal as well as internally and is synonymous to the rotting of wood which can change the profile of a surface, weaken the interior and loosen or damage other components that are in contact with them. The combination of water, water vapour, oxygen and salt in the air all contribute to the most common forms of corrosion. Consequently aircraft that are operated in close proximity to bodies of water or that are located in industrial areas where chemicals are present in the air are very susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion is a major issue in aviation because it can jeopardize the safety of any flight.
As previously mentioned there are two general types of corrosion chemical and electromechanical. Each form of corrosion converts some metal into compounds like oxides, hydroxides and sulfates. These compounds are created when oxidation and reduction take place simultaneously on a metallic surface. Oxidation is where electrons are removed from the metal and reduction is where electrons are used in order to convert oxygen and
Bibliography: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/amt_handbook/media/FAA-8083-30_Ch06.pdf