Deterioration of metals in an ocean environment

Abstract

Discussion is concentrated on the types of deterioration and the circumstances under which it occurs for the several classes of material employed in ocean engineering applications. Suggestions as to how difficulties may be avoided are given equal attention. Aluminium alloys are dealt with in terms of alloy selection, effects of deep submergence ,stress corrosion, effects of high temperatures and galvanic action. The copper base alloys are discussed in terms of tolerance for velocity effects, sulphide pollution, stress-corrosion, and such selective attack as dezincification, etc. The stainless steels and nickel base alloys are considered with respect to susceptibility to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress-corrosion. Titanium and the superstrength steels are discussed principally with respect to resistance to stress-corrosion cracking (SCC). Galvanic action and cavitation erosion phenomena are dealt with generally in terms of all classes of material.