Accelerated corrosion tests for aerospace materials: current limitations and future trends

Examines accelerated methods for the corrosion testing of materials, coatings and surface treatments used in the aerospace and defence industries. The drawbacks with some current accelerated corrosion tests are examined, particularly the problems experienced with neutral salt spray tests. Specific examples are given which identify the acute discrepancy between salt spray and marine exposure in the corrosion testing of metallic coatings on steels. Examines some recent advances in corrosion testing of aerospace materials, pre-treatments and organic coatings, and outlines some preliminary research conducted at DERA Farnborough in developing more accurate test methods.