Abstract
By electrically isolating aluminium from more noble metals, aluminium alloys have successfully been used in marine environments for many decades. However, the limited engineering experience with aluminium alloys compared to steel has led to corrosion failures, which cause skepticism in the use of aluminium in marine applications. Galvanic corrosion is often considered as a significant challenge in the use of aluminium alloys in metallic contact with nobler metals - in a maritime or offshore context, steel or corrosion resistant alloys (CRA).
Testing of galvanic corrosion under atmospheric conditions can be difficult, because it will be challenging to replicate and control the electrolyte conductivity of the wet surface. Defining the entire layout of the joint can therefore be accelerated by respective efficient computational modelling assist design. In this talk an approach is shown which combines data- and physics-based models enabling the simulation of the corrosion scenario. Environmental data will be analysed, corrosion affecting features selected and corrosion currents computed. Thin electrolyte film parameters will be modeled and utilized to compute the electric field along the joint component surfaces.
The effect of spacers and the influence of the joint layout on the corrosion will be explored and predicted. Aspects of relative humidity, electrolyte film thickness or time of wetness are discussed. Finally, design and in-service requirements for aluminum steel couples in offshore applications are named.
Testing of galvanic corrosion under atmospheric conditions can be difficult, because it will be challenging to replicate and control the electrolyte conductivity of the wet surface. Defining the entire layout of the joint can therefore be accelerated by respective efficient computational modelling assist design. In this talk an approach is shown which combines data- and physics-based models enabling the simulation of the corrosion scenario. Environmental data will be analysed, corrosion affecting features selected and corrosion currents computed. Thin electrolyte film parameters will be modeled and utilized to compute the electric field along the joint component surfaces.
The effect of spacers and the influence of the joint layout on the corrosion will be explored and predicted. Aspects of relative humidity, electrolyte film thickness or time of wetness are discussed. Finally, design and in-service requirements for aluminum steel couples in offshore applications are named.
