Numrical Simulation on Electric Field of Galvanic Corrosion for U-Nb Alloy and 45-Steel

Abstract

Based on the galvanic corrosion experiment for U-Nb alloy and 45-steel in the 3.5 mass percent NaCl solutions, the galvanic corrosion electric field has been calculated by finite element method. The electric potential and the current density evolution during galvanic corrosion have been obtained. The results show that the electric potential drop between cathode and anode had obvious difference. The electric potential drop in the U-Nb alloy cathode is higher than that in the 45-steel anode, which makes the electric field in the U-Nb alloy higher than that in the 45-steel. A rather high current density exists at the ends and corners of the specimen. The permittivity of the corrosion medium only has a little effect on the corrosion electric potential, but has obvious effects on the corrosion current density. The electrode size has obvious effects on the corrosion electric potential and current density.