investigation of corrosion damage

Based on the damage hypothesis at the beginning of the damage analysis, an investigation plan is defined: The analyses are used to determine the type and cause of corrosion and thus to determine the cause of the damage.

Typical methods such as SEM-EDX analysis are used to characterize corrosion products and to examine the damage pattern microscopically. A metallographic examination helps to characterize the material in terms of condition, structure and defects, as well as to further define the type of corrosion. A chemical analysis of the material is also usually necessary to determine or rule out possible deviations from the target composition.

In the case of stress corrosion cracking and intergranular corrosion, the susceptibility of the material can be tested in standardized test solutions and conditions.