Effect and simulation of tensile stress on corrosion behavior of 7050 aluminum alloy in a simulated harsh marine environment

The corrosion behavior of the 7050 aluminum alloy was investigated in the presence of high concentrations of H+ and Cl- ions simulating the marine environment of high salinity and local acidification in tropical seas. The results highlight the significant influence of tensile stress on the corrosion rate of the aluminum alloy with higher stress levels resulting in faster corrosion. Under the influence of tensile stress, corrosion pits form on the alloy surface, and their depth increases with higher levels of applied stress. It is important to note that the presence of a corrosion defect leads to a pronounced stress concentration, resulting in a much faster rate of corrosion compared to other regions. However, when subjected to low tensile stress (<= 174 MPa), the corrosion at the defect exhibits uniform characteristics similar to a uniform corrosion process. Moreover, the potential at the defect shifts positively with increasing stress level. Furthermore, stress has an effect on the diffusive behavior of the aluminum alloy, leading to a higher potential at the defect center compared to its surrounding region. Nevertheless, as the tensile stress is further increased, this behavior is disrupted and stress corrosion cracking becomes the dominant mode of corrosion.