AMPTIAC MaterialEASE 4 Life Prediction and Performance Assurance of Structural Materials in Corrosive Environments

Introduction Reliable estimates indicate that corrosion of metals costs the US economy almost $300 billion per year or about 4% of the GNP. Corrosion is a pervasive problem that affects almost all sectors of the economy including transportation (bridges, automobiles, aircraft, ships, pipelines, etc.), energy (power plants, petrochemical industries etc.) and defense (naval applications, aging aircraft & weapon systems, etc.). Although the complete elimination of corrosion is virtually impossible, it is believed that a third of this cost is avoidable based on the present status of corrosion science, the state-of-the-art in industrial practice and the continual developments in associated technologies. Broader application of corrosion resistant materials, improvements in corrosion prevention practice, effective detection and repair and an investment in corrosion related research are the necessary ingredients of any program that targets minimization of corrosion related costs. Given the ubiquitous nature of corrosion, life prediction and performance assurance is vital to the cost-effective management of components and systems that encounter corrosion in service. Over conservative design and operation has been the preferred approach to reducing failures and ensuring the designed performance in corrosive environments. However, the cost penalty associated with this approach is continually directing efforts toward more effective life prediction and performance assurance.