A Fracture Mechanics Based Approach for Quantifying Corrosion Damage, Tri-Service Committee on Corrosion Proceedings

Abstract : A fracture mechanics based approach to quantify the influence of initial corrosion damage on structural integrity is described. This approach assumes that corrosion can be approximated by a geometric structural change consisting of a general thickness reduction combined with a localized stress concentration. These two parameters enable quantification of the damage and the application of fracture mechanics principles to corrosion. Several numerical examples of this concept are discussed and a test program, combined with inspection capabilities, is introduced.