Sixth International Workshop on Environmentally-Assisted Cracking
Abstract
Research problem and objectivesAlthough environmentally-assisted cracking (EAC) has been studied in depth for more than 50 years, EAC still presents an important structural integrity and capability risk for aircraft. Propagation of EAC in materials is well characterized, but significant uncertainty remains with respect to the mechanisms, processes, and interactions between chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical factors that account for EAC initiation in service environments. This uncertainty is especially important given: 1) the combinations of alloys, composites, and specialty materials being used for aircraft structures, 2) introduction of next generation alloys, 3) changes in corrosion protection systems associate with chrome elimination, and 4) development of additive manufactured parts. The objective of this workshop is to assemble a group of academic, government, and industry scholars and researchersskilled in the disciplines of metallurgy, fracture, electrochemistry, and corrosion to assess the current state of knowledge, identify knowledge gaps, and detail investigative techniques and results that advance our understanding of EAC initiation. Technical approaches The workshop has been developed to cover a range of theoretical and experimental topics to fully examine EAC initiation.The technical program includes crack initiation under static and dynamic loading and explores unifying principles for the interaction of material properties, microstructure, electrochemistry, plasticity, and fracture. Of particular interest are modelling and experimental investigations that address the properties, conditions, and time dependent processes that produce features that transitioninto small and short cracks. Advanced measurement methods and analytical tools will be show cased for quantifying the early stagesof EAC. The adequacy of existing standard EAC test methods for assessing susceptibility and the generation of appropriate engineering data to predict the service performance of current and next generation alloys and additive manufactured parts will be addressed.Anticipated outcome of the research if successfulThe workshop will establish state of the art understanding of EAC initiation and paths forward to fill knowledge gaps through modelling, experimental investigations, and improved test methods. The workshop will advance the goals of safe introduction and efficient use of materials for aerospace structures that can meet performance, maintenance, capability, and service life requirements.Impact on DoD capabilitiesAn improved understanding of EAC initiation would inform alloy development, structural design, materials selection, and surface finish specification to achieve aircraft service life and operationsand support goals. Corrosion and EAC prevention would benefit aircraft capability and support cost avoidance associated with unscheduled maintenance and repair. This mechanistic understanding would reduce the risk for transition of additive manufactured parts in structural applications and introduction of new corrosion protective coatings for chromate elimination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312453
Entities
People
- Kevin Korpics
Organizations
- Engineering Conferences International
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy