Accelerated Corrosion Test of a Scratched Galvanized Steel Sample

Application ID: 130341


An established method for benchmarking the atmospheric corrosion resistance of materials is the use of accelerated corrosion tests (ACT) performed in climate chambers. The main purpose of the ACTs is to make reliable and fast predictions of the long time behavior. The tests expose samples to cyclic conditions during a few weeks. Elevated temperature, repeated drying and wetting together with salt addition are conditions that typically speed up corrosion and characterize ACTs. The samples can be of all shapes and sizes, in setups targeting crevice or galvanic corrosion, or with inflicted damage.

This example studies a galvanized steel sample with crossing scratches that fully penetrate the zinc coating and expose the underlying steel. The corrosion is simulated for a dummy ACT running for 7 days. The model solves for a thin liquid film that covers the sample surface. Local variations in pH, corrosion products, and coating deterioration are shown.

This model example illustrates applications of this type that would nominally be built using the following products: