Defense Science Board Report on Corrosion Control
Abstract
Weapons system readiness and safety are among the highest priority challenges for the Department of Defense (DoD). As it continues to receive a large number of mission taskings, it is imperative that DoD equipment be maintained at an acceptable level of material condition so that it may be employed safely and effectively when required, often in harsh and physically demanding environments. However, both the material condition and safety of DoD equipment are routinely being undermined by the effects of corrosion. The dollar cost of corrosion to DoD has been estimated by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to be $10-20 billion per year. Aggressive action is needed at every stage in the life cycle of this equipment during design, materials selection, construction, operation, and maintenance to reduce the negative effects of corrosion. At the request of the Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (USDAT&L) and the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness, the Defense Science Board (DSB) formed a task force to address corrosion control efforts within the DoD. There are two major areas of concern with respect to corrosion for DoD the Services' weapon systems, including platforms, electronics and munitions, and the supporting infrastructure, including facilities, bases, and ports. Due to the direct impact of weapon system corrosion on combat readiness, the Task Force focused its attention on the former, although both areas are critical to DoD, and much of the subsequent discussion applies to both.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA428767
Entities
Organizations
- Defense Science Board