The mechanism of passivity breakdown within crevices was investigated for aluminum in 0.05M NaC1 and for iron in dilute mixtures of NaC1, Na2SO4, and NaNO2. The pH, electrode potential, and current distribution were monitored continuously in segmented crevices which simulated realistic corrosion conditions. Variation in the crevice geometry was found to have a significant effect on the current distribution behavior during initiation of crevice corrosion. Breakdown of passivity on aluminum typically took place within a matter of hours and was accompanied by hydrogen bubble evolution within the crevice at a pH near 4.1. The behavior for iron was qualitatively different than that for aluminum, indicating that the mechanism of passivity breakdown is different for the two metals.) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 138.251.14.35 Downloaded on 2015-03-24 to IP ) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 138.251.14.35 Downloaded on 2015-03-24 to IP ) unless CC License in place (see abstract). ecsdl.org/site/terms_use address. Redistribution subject to ECS terms of use (see 138.251.14.35 Downloaded on 2015-03-24 to IP