Aircraft Corrosion Control

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, if the corrosion on aircraft is undetected or untreated, corrosion problems can lead to structural failures and, hence, pose a great safety risk. The author points out that the most popular method of corrosion prevention is the use of chromate surface treatments of the aluminum structures; however, using hexavalent-chromium compounds for surface coating is an environmentally unsound practice because chromium is well-known as a highly toxic and carcinogenic agent. The paper relates that tackling corrosion at the designing and manufacturing phase is key to successful control of the corrosion menace; proper maintenance also occupies a significant role in remedying the damage and in prolonging the life of the aircraft.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Corrosion Problem
Corrosion Control (A Design and Manufacturing Issue)
Corrosion Control by Coating
Maintenance Programs
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Cervical corrosion occurs when a corrosive fluid gets inside the joints or penetrates the coated surface. Both the forms of corrosion are dangerous and can result in cracking of the metal surface. The problem is more pronounced in aging aircrafts which are exposed to corrosive materials over a long period of time. The 1988 Aloha Airline B-737-200 incident was an eye opener to the dangers of corrosion. Due to undetected corrosion the whole fuselage of the plane got separated in mid air. This incident led to the formation of the "Aging Aircraft Task Force Steering Committee" which is currently known as the "Airworthiness Assurance Working Group"."

More papers on Aircraft Corrosion Control:

• Term Paper # 142737 : "Corrosion in Production Operations"
• Term Paper # 149962 : "Issues in Air Traffic Control"
• Term Paper # 138434 : "Aircraft Appliances and Equipment Limited"

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