Validation of a Galvanic Corrosion Model in a Dynamic Electrolyte Droplet Environment

Abstract

The galvanic couple AA2024/Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) has been studied numerically and experimentally in a dynamic electrolyte droplet. As an electrolyte, a NaCl droplet (0.6 M initial concentration) was used at a controlled temperature (24.5°C) and relative humidity (83.5%). The evaporation of the electrolyte was monitored for 24 hours using a Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP), simulating atmospheric corrosion phenomena. The electrochemical potential and droplet height were constantly monitored. Geometry, temperature, potential, aluminum corrosion products, pH fields, and electrochemical and physicochemical boundary conditions were all considered by finite element analysis. The experimental and numerical results showed strong correlations.