System and method for measuring corrosion
By setting electrodes and structures of different materials in the chamber and cyclic environment simulation, the problem of electrochemical corrosion measurement and prevention between components is solved, and accurate monitoring and prevention of electrochemical corrosion is achieved, and the service life of the components is extended.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN201980068127.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2019-01-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2039-01-18
AI Technical Summary
The prior art is difficult to effectively measure and prevent electrochemical corrosion between components, especially on the bonding edges and surfaces between metal and carbon fiber reinforced plastic, resulting in unpredictable corrosion and may lead to dysfunction of components.
A system is designed, including the first and second electrodes of the first and second structures arranged in the chamber, made of different materials, and receiving data through a measuring device, determining the corrosion level based on parameters such as voltage difference, and the system can Run environmental simulations such as spraying, dry or moisture circulation to measure and prevent electrochemical corrosion in real time.
Accurate measurement and prevention of electrochemical corrosion is achieved, real-time monitoring and prevention of electrochemical corrosion of components in different environments, and extending the service life of components.
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Figure CN112930474B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for measuring corrosion. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for measuring galvanic corrosion potential on a component. Background Art
[0002] Corrosion can be understood as the chemical and / or electrochemical degradation of materials due to their reaction with the environment in which they are located. As the name implies, general corrosion tends to persist more or less uniformly over the exposed surface of a material without significant localized attack. General corrosion usually persists at a relatively slow, predictable rate. In contrast, galvanic corrosion tends to be a more localized effect at and / or near points of electrical and / or physical contact between dissimilar materials in the presence of a conductive medium such as an electrolyte. Galvanic corrosion may persist at relatively high and / or unpredictable rates, potentially causing a component to fail to perform as expected.
[0003] In one specific example, localized galvanic corrosion may form on an aluminum alloy honeycomb core structure. More specifically, localized galvanic corrosion may form on edges and surfaces near the bonding edge between the aluminum alloy honeycomb core structure and a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) structure. Adhesive primers and chromate primers are often used; however, since the galvanic process is driven through the CFRP structure, adhesive primers and chromate primers may not be sufficient to prevent corrosion in these areas.
[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to have improved systems and methods for measuring and preventing galvanic corrosion. Summary of the invention
[0005] A system for measuring corrosion is disclosed. The system includes: a first electrode configured to be connected to a first structure; and a second electrode configured to be connected to a second structure. The first structure and the second structure are electrically coupled together, and the first structure and the second structure are made of different materials. A chamber is configured to run through one or more cycles when the first electrode, the first structure, the second electrode, and the second structure are positioned inside the chamber. A measuring device is configured to receive data from the first electrode and the second electrode, and to measure one or more parameters based at least in part on the data. The level of corrosion of the first structure, the second structure, or both is configured to be determined based at least in part on the one or more parameters.
[0006] In at least one implementation, the measuring device is located outside the chamber.
[0007] In at least one implementation, the first structure includes a honeycomb structure made of metal.
[0008] In at least one implementation, the second structure comprises a plate made of plastic. In at least one implementation, the first structure comprises a honeycomb structure made of aluminum, and the second structure comprises a plate made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.
[0009] In at least one implementation, the second structure has a plurality of through-holes formed therethrough.
[0010] In at least one implementation, the measuring device is or includes a potentiostat, the first electrode is or includes a working electrode, the second electrode is or includes a reference electrode, and the one or more parameters include a voltage difference between the first structure and the second structure.
[0011] In at least one implementation, the one or more cycles include a spray cycle, a dry cycle, a wet cycle, or a combination thereof.
[0012] In at least one implementation, the first structure and the second structure are part of a component in a vehicle.
[0013] In at least one implementation, the first structure and the second structure are part of a component in an aircraft.
[0014] In another example, the system includes a first electrode configured to be connected to a first structure. The first structure is a honeycomb structure made of aluminum. The system also includes a second electrode configured to be connected to a second structure. The second structure is a plate made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the first structure and the second structure are electrically coupled together. The system also includes a chamber configured to run a wet cycle and a dry cycle when the first electrode, the first structure, the second electrode, and the second structure are positioned inside the chamber. The system also includes a potentiostat configured to receive data from the first electrode and the second electrode, and based at least in part on the data, measure a voltage difference between the first structure and the second structure. The corrosion level of the first structure, the second structure, or both is configured to be determined based at least in part on the voltage difference.
[0015] In at least one implementation, the first structure and the second structure are configured to be sprayed with a liquid salt solution having a temperature of about 30°C to about 40°C during the spray cycle, and wherein the first structure and the second structure are configured to be blown with air having a temperature of about 20°C to about 50°C during the dry cycle.
[0016] In at least one implementation, the liquid saline solution comprises 5% NaCl pH 3HAc.
[0017] In at least one implementation, the chamber is further configured to operate a wet cycle when the first electrode, the first structure, the second electrode, and the second structure are positioned inside the chamber, wherein the first structure and the second structure are configured to be blown with air having a temperature of about 20° C. to about 50° C. during a dry cycle, and wherein the humidity of the air blown during the wet cycle is greater than the humidity of the air blown during the dry cycle.
[0018] In at least one implementation, the first structure is a first portion of the honeycomb structure after the honeycomb structure is cut into two portions.
[0019] A method for measuring corrosion is also disclosed. The method includes the following steps: connecting a first electrode to a first structure; and connecting a second electrode to a second structure. The first structure and the second structure are electrically coupled together, and the first structure and the second structure are made of different materials. The first electrode, the first structure, the second electrode, and the second structure are positioned in a chamber. One or more cycles are run in the chamber. Based on data received from the first electrode and the second electrode, one or more parameters related to the first structure and the second structure are measured. The level of corrosion related to the first structure, the second structure, or both is configured to be determined based at least in part on the one or more parameters.
[0020] In at least one implementation, the first structure and the second structure are part of a component, the component also includes a third structure, wherein the first structure is connected to and positioned between the second structure and the third structure, and the method also includes the following steps: cutting the first structure to form a first part of the component and a second part of the component, the first part of the component includes a first part of the first structure, the first part of the first structure is connected to the second structure, and the second part of the component includes a second part of the first structure, and the second part of the first structure is connected to the third structure.
[0021] In at least one implementation, positioning the first structure and the second structure in the chamber includes positioning a first portion of the component in the chamber.
[0022] In at least one implementation, the method further includes applying a sealant to a connection between the first electrode and the first structure prior to positioning the first portion of the component in the chamber.
[0023] In at least one implementation, the corrosion level is configured to be measured in real time while the first structure and the second structure are in use.
[0024] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present teachings, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of the present teachings and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present teachings.
[0026] Figure 1 A system for measuring corrosion on a component is illustrated.
[0027] Figure 2 A top view of a portion of a component after a first structure of the component has been cut into two parts is illustrated.
[0028] Figure 3 A top view of a first structure and a second structure of a component is illustrated after the first structure is cut, wherein a first electrode is coupled to the first structure and a second electrode is coupled to the second structure.
[0029] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating a method of measuring corrosion on a component.
[0030] Figure 5 A graph showing voltage / potential versus time during a cyclic corrosion test is illustrated.
[0031] Figure 6 Another graph showing voltage / potential versus time during an immersion test is illustrated.
[0032] Figure 7 A functional block diagram of a system for measuring corrosion on a component is illustrated.
[0033] It should be noted that some details of these figures have been simplified and drawn to facilitate understanding rather than maintaining strict structural accuracy, detail, and scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Now, the present teaching is described in detail, and examples of the present teaching are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals are used throughout all figures to designate the same elements. In the following description, the accompanying drawings forming a part of the description are described, and in the accompanying drawings, specific examples in which the present teaching can be practiced are shown by way of example. Therefore, the following description is merely exemplary.
[0035] Known galvanic corrosion resistance tests are often not possible for parts because the part construction is fixed and the location of the connection between the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and the metal may be unknown and / or uncontrollable. Current systems connect wires between two electrodes to test the materials individually. In addition, current systems cannot provide simulation of cyclic corrosion testing. In known test systems, the connection is on the top of the test equipment. The current flowing between the two parts flows through a zero resistance ammeter. This causes leakage current inside the part, so the user cannot measure pre-connected parts. The following system solves these problems.
[0036] Figure 1 A system 100 for measuring corrosion on a component 140 is illustrated. The system 100 includes a chamber 110 in which the component 140 can be positioned. The chamber 110 can be or include a cyclic corrosion chamber. Therefore, the chamber 110 can be configured to expose the component 140 to one or more cycles. These cycles can be or include a spray cycle, a dry cycle, a humid cycle, or a combination of these. Other cycles can include a salt spray cycle, a corrosion / weathering cycle, an automotive CCT exposure cycle, or a Japanese automotive cyclic corrosion test cycle. The salt spray cycle is defined according to the ASTM G85 Annex 5 standard, and the corrosion / weathering cycle is defined according to the ASTM D5894-16 standard.
[0037] The spray cycle may include spraying a liquid onto the component 140 using the sprayer 112 inside the chamber 110. The liquid may be a liquid saline solution (e.g., 5% NaCl pH 3HAc). The liquid may have a temperature of about 25° C. to about 45° C., about 30° C. to about 40° C., or about 35° C. The chemical composition and / or temperature of the liquid saline solution may simulate the environment to which the component 140 may be exposed when in use.
[0038] The dry cycle may include blowing a gas 115 toward the component 140 using a first blower 114 inside the chamber 110. The gas 115 may be air. The gas 115 may have a temperature of about 20° C. to about 50° C. The gas 115 may have a humidity of about 20% RH to about 90% RH or about 30% RH to about 80% RH. The temperature and humidity may simulate the environment to which the component 140 may be exposed when in use.
[0039] The wet cycle may include blowing gas 117 toward component 140 using a second blower 116 inside chamber 110. In an alternative implementation, a single blower may be used for both the dry cycle and the wet cycle. Gas 117 may be air. The gas may have a temperature of about 20°C to about 50°C. The gas used during the wet cycle has a humidity greater than that of the gas blown during the dry cycle. For example, during a particular wet cycle, the humidity of the gas may be about 30% RH to about 95% RH or about 40% RH to about 100% RH. The temperature and humidity simulate the environment to which component 140 may be exposed when in use.
[0040] The system 100 also includes a measuring device 120. The measuring device 120 can be or include a potentiostat, an ammeter, an ohmmeter, a voltmeter, or a combination of these. The measuring device 120 can include a first (e.g., working) electrode 122 and a second (e.g., reference) electrode 124. As shown, the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 can be positioned in the chamber 110 and connected to the component 140, as described in more detail below. The first electrode 122 can be an electrode that controls the potential and measures the current. The first electrode 122 can be made of an inert material (e.g., gold, platinum, or glassy carbon). The first electrode 122 can be used as a surface on which an electrochemical reaction occurs. During the corrosion test, the first electrode 122 can be a sample of the corroded metal. However, the first electrode 122 may not be the actual metal structure being tested. Instead, a small sample can be used to represent the structure. The first electrode 122 can be a bare metal or coated. The second electrode 124 can be used to measure the potential of the first electrode 122. The second electrode 124 may have a constant electrochemical potential as long as no current flows through the second electrode 124. The second electrode 124 may be or include a saturated calomel electrode (SCE), a silver / silver chloride (Ag / AgCl) electrode, etc., which may facilitate measuring the potential of the first electrode 122.
[0041] An ammeter may be configured to measure current flowing between two or more portions of component 140. An ohmmeter may be configured to measure resistance between two or more portions of component 140. The effects of measuring current and / or resistance are discussed in more detail below.
[0042] The system 100 may also include a computing device 130 coupled to and / or in communication with the measuring device 120. The computing device 130 may be configured to receive and process data measured by the measuring device 120 during one or more of the cycles. The computing device 130 may be capable of generating results based at least in part on the data measured by the measuring device 120 (e.g., see Figure 5 and Figure 6 Below, we discuss this result in more detail.
[0043] Figure 2 A top view of the component 140 after the component 140 is cut into a first portion 140A and a second portion 140B is illustrated. In another example, the component 140 may be or include a composite structure containing metal, a metal fastener in contact with a composite material, a material having different electrical potentials, etc. Therefore, the component 140 may be or include any two or more structures coupled together in an electrochemical manner. As used herein, two components are coupled together in an electrochemical manner when they have different electrical potentials and are coupled / connected by a conductive path.
[0044] Component 140 includes a first structure 142. As shown, first structure 142 can be or include a honeycomb structure made of a first material. The first material can be or include a metal such as aluminum, titanium steel, copper, cadmium, nickel, silver, zinc, magnesium, etc., which can contribute to galvanic corrosion when coupled to second structure 144 in the presence of one or more of the above cycles. As shown, first structure 142 can be cut (e.g., in half) to separate component 140 into two portions 140A, 140B. Cutting first structure 142 can make it easier to connect one of electrodes 122, 124 to first structure 142, such as Figure 3 shown and described in more detail below.
[0045] Component 140 also includes a second structure 144 and a third structure 146. The second structure 144 and the third structure 146 may be or include plates made of a second material. The second material may be or include carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), a metal-containing composite material (e.g., nickel and steel), etc. The second structure 144 may have a plurality of perforations 145 formed through the second structure, and may be referred to as the "tool side" or "perforation side" of component 140. The third structure 146 may or may not have perforations formed through the third structure, and may be referred to as the "bag side" of component 140. The perforations may expose the carbon fibers in the CFRP material, and oxygen reduction reactions may occur on the exposed carbon fibers, thereby accelerating galvanic corrosion on the honeycomb core. This effect may be prevented on the bag side where the carbon fibers are not exposed.
[0046] The first structure 142 may be coupled to and / or positioned between the second structure 144 and the third structure 146. The first structure 142 may be coupled (e.g., galvanically) to the second structure 144 and the third structure 146 using an aluminum-containing adhesive or mechanical contact using a non-conductive adhesive. The first portion 140A of the component 140 may include a portion of the first structure 142 coupled to the second structure 144, and the second portion 140B may include another portion of the first structure 142 coupled to the third structure 146. The component 140 including the first structure 142, the second structure 144, and / or the third structure 146 may be part of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft).
[0047] Figure 3 The first portion 140A of the component 140 is illustrated (according to Figure 2 ), wherein the first (e.g., working) electrode 122 is coupled to the first structure 142, and the second (e.g., reference) electrode 124 is coupled to the second structure 144. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 can be coupled to the second portion 140B of the component 140 in a similar manner. For example, the first electrode 122 can be coupled to the first structure 142, and the second electrode 124 can be coupled to the third structure 146.
[0048] Figure 4 A flow chart of a method 400 for measuring corrosion on a component 140 is illustrated. More particularly, the method 400 is described for measuring corrosion on a first portion 140A of the component 140; however, as will be apparent, the method 400 may also be used in a similar manner to measure corrosion on a second portion 140B of the component 140. In at least one example, the method 400 may be used to measure / determine corrosion on the component 140 in real time (e.g., while the component 140 is in use, such as when the component 140 is part of an aircraft in flight).
[0049] The method 400 may include the following steps: As at 402, the first structure 142 of the component 140 is cut into two separate parts. In an alternative implementation, the cutting may be omitted, and the component 140 may remain integral for the remainder of the method 400.
[0050] The method 400 also includes the step of connecting the first electrode 122 to the first structure (eg, aluminum honeycomb) 142 , as in 404 . The method 400 may also include the step of connecting the second electrode 124 to the second structure (eg, CFRP plate) 144 , as in 406 .
[0051] The method 400 also includes the following steps: As in 408, applying a sealant to the connection between the first electrode 122 and the first structure (e.g., aluminum honeycomb) 142 and / or to the connection between the second electrode 124 and the second structure (e.g., CFRP plate) 144. The sealant can be or include a viscous polyurethane. The sealant is used to isolate the electrical connection from the corrosive environment.
[0052] The method 400 also includes the following steps: As in 410, applying a sealant to one or more edges of the first structure 142 and / or the second structure 144. The sealant can be the same type of sealant used to seal the connection, or a different type of sealant. The sealant is used to prevent the edges of the first structure 142 and / or the second structure 144 from contributing to the electrochemical effect. The sealant can be applied to the edges before or after the sealant is applied to the connection.
[0053] The method 400 also includes the following steps: As at 412, using the measurement device 120 (e.g., when the measurement device 120 acts as an ohmmeter) to measure the resistance between the first structure 142 and the second structure 144. The resistance can be measured after the connection is established and before the sealant is applied, or after the connection is established and after the sealant is applied. The resistance can be measured before the cycle in the chamber 110 begins. Measuring the resistance at this time allows the user to determine whether there is an electrical connection between the first structure 142 and the second structure 144. The resistance can be measured later in the method 400 to determine whether the electrical connection has changed.
[0054] The method 400 also includes the following steps: as at 414, positioning the component 140 (e.g., the first portion 140A of the component 140), the first electrode 122, and the second electrode 124 in the chamber 110. The method 400 may also include the following steps: as at 416, when the component 140 (e.g., the first portion 140A of the component 140), the first electrode 122, and the second electrode 124 are in the chamber 110, running one or more cycles in the chamber 110. As described above, these cycles can be or include spray cycles, dry cycles, wet cycles, or a combination of these. For example, the process can alternate between spray cycles and dry cycles. The spray cycle can last from about 15 minutes to about 2 hours, or from about 30 minutes to about 1 hour (e.g., about 45 minutes). The dry cycle can last from about 30 minutes to about 4 hours, or from about 1 hour to about 3 hours (e.g., about 2 hours). The moisture cycle may last from about 1 hour to about 5 hours, or from about 2 hours to about 4 hours (eg, about 3 hours and 15 minutes).
[0055] The method 400 also includes the following steps: as at 418, before, during and / or after the one or more cycles, one or more parameters of the component 140 (e.g., the first portion 140A of the component 140) in the chamber 110 are measured. These parameters can be measured in real time. In at least one implementation, these parameters can be sensed / measured by two electrodes 122, 124 in the chamber 110 and sent (e.g., via wires) to a measuring device 120 that can be outside the chamber 110. As described above, the parameter can be or can include a voltage / potential difference between the first structure 142 and the second structure 144, a resistance between the first structure 142 and the second structure 144, a current flowing between the first structure 142 and the second structure 144, or a combination of these. The current and / or resistance can be used to estimate the degree of galvanic corrosion on the structures 142, 144. Measuring the galvanic current in situ allows the user to determine how much the galvanic corrosion is deteriorating under environmental exposure.
[0056] The method 400 also includes the step of determining the extent / level of corrosion (e.g., galvanic corrosion) on the component 140 (e.g., the first portion 140A of the component 140) based at least in part on the measured parameters, as in 420. This step may include determining the extent / level of corrosion (e.g., galvanic corrosion) on the first structure 142 and / or the second structure 144. More specifically, the galvanic current may be estimated and integrated over time to estimate the coulombs of charge passed and the amount of metal corroded.
[0057] Method 400 may also include the following steps: At 422, based at least in part on the measured parameters, generating an image or video (eg, a graphic—see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). The image or video may be generated by the measuring device 120 or the computing device 130.
[0058] The method 400 may also include the step of repairing the component 140 if the extent / level of corrosion (e.g., galvanic corrosion) is above a predetermined threshold, as at 424. Additionally, the design of future components may be modified in response to the extent / level of corrosion (e.g., galvanic corrosion) to reduce the extent / level of corrosion of the future components.
[0059] Figure 5A graph 500 showing the relationship between voltage / potential and time during a cyclic corrosion test is illustrated. Graph 500 shows data for four different components being tested. Curve 510 is for a first portion of a component (e.g., including a first structure 142 and a second structure 144). Thus, in curve 510, the first portion of the component is the piercing / tool side. In curve 510, the first portion of the component has a resistance of 6.7Ω. Curve 520 is for a second portion of a component (e.g., including a first structure 142 and a third structure 146). Thus, in curve 520, the second portion of the component is the bag side. In curve 520, the second portion of the component has a resistance of 17kΩ. Curve 530 is for a first portion of a component (e.g., including a first structure 142 and a second structure 144). Thus, in curve 530, the first portion of the component is the piercing / tool side. In curve 530, the first portion of the component has a resistance of 2.9kΩ. Curve 540 is for the second portion of the component (eg, including the first structure 142 and the third structure 146). Thus, in curve 540, the second portion of the component is the bag side. In curve 540, the second portion of the component has a resistance of 2.3 MΩ.
[0060] As shown, the measured voltage / potential (e.g., according to step 418 above) is close to 0V during the dry cycle and away from 0V (i.e., a higher voltage) during the spray cycle. The measured voltage / potential is directly related to the resistance of the component. A higher voltage / potential can indicate a higher resistance, and a higher resistance can indicate a lower electrochemical current. Conversely, a lower voltage / potential can indicate a lower resistance, and a lower resistance can indicate a higher electrochemical current. In the first curve 510, the first portion of the component has the lowest resistance. This is undesirable because the lowest resistance indicates a higher electrochemical current, which may be due to a higher level of corrosion or may result in a higher level of corrosion. In curve 540, the second portion of the component has the highest resistance. This is more ideal because the highest resistance indicates a lower electrochemical current, which may be due to a lower level of corrosion or may result in a lower level of corrosion.
[0061] Figure 6 Another graph 600 showing voltage / potential versus time during a cyclic corrosion test is illustrated. Figure 6 and Figure 5 The difference is that Figure 6 represents an immersion experiment, while Figure 5600 shows data for two different components being tested. Curve 610 is for a first portion of the component (e.g., including the first structure 142 and the second structure 144). Thus, in curve 610, the first portion of the component is the piercing / tool side. As shown, on the piercing / tool side, the first structure (e.g., aluminum) and the second structure (e.g., CFRP material) have substantially the same voltage / potential. This may indicate a higher galvanic corrosion rate.
[0062] Curve 620 is for the second portion of the component (e.g., including the first structure 142 and the third structure 146). Thus, in curve 620, the second portion of the component is the bag side. As shown, on the bag side, the first structure (e.g., aluminum) and the third structure (e.g., CFRP material) are at different voltages / potentials. This may indicate a lower galvanic corrosion rate. The absolute potential of curve 620 may be a function of the alloy, sensitization, electrolyte, the corrosiveness of the electrolyte, or a combination of these.
[0063] Figure 7 A functional block diagram 700 of a system for measuring corrosion on a component 140 is illustrated. The component 140 can be placed into the chamber 110. Once the component 140 is placed into the chamber 110, the sprayer 112 can spray the liquid 113 toward the component 140, the blower 114 can blow the gas 115 toward the component 140, and / or the blower 116 can blow the gas 117 toward the component 140. This can be part of a cyclic corrosion test that simulates the environment that the component 140 may be exposed to when in use. During or after the cyclic corrosion test, the measurement device 120 can receive data / measurements (e.g., from the first electrode 122 and the second electrode 124 coupled to the component 140 - see Figures 1 to 3 The data / measurements may be sent to a computing device 130, which may generate results based at least in part on the data measured by the measuring device 120 (see, for example, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The results may indicate, for example, the extent of galvanic corrosion on component 140.
[0064] Although the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the present disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, it is to be understood that all ranges disclosed herein encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein.
[0065] Although the present teaching has been illustrated with reference to one or more implementations, the illustrated examples may be changed and / or modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, although the specific features of the present teaching have been disclosed for only one implementation in several implementations, for any given or specific function, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations that may be desirable and advantageous. As used herein, the term "at least one of A and B" with respect to enumerated items (for example, such as A and B) means A alone, B alone, or A and B. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these and other variations are possible. Moreover, insofar as the term "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with" or its variation is used in any detailed description and / or claim, such term is intended to be included in a manner similar to the term "comprising". Moreover, in the discussion and claims herein, the term "approximately" indicates that the listed values may be slightly changed, as long as such change does not cause the process or structure to not conform to the intended purpose described herein. Finally, "exemplary" indicates that the description is used as an example, rather than implying that the description is an ideal.
[0066] It should be clear that the above disclosed and other features and functions of the variation, or these features and functions of the alternative examples can be combined into many other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art can subsequently make various unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, changes or improvements, these alternatives, modifications, changes or improvements will also be covered by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A system for measuring corrosion, the system comprising: a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being configured to be connected to a component, the component comprising a first structure, a second structure and a third structure, wherein the first structure is coupled to and positioned between the second structure and the third structure, and wherein the first structure is cut into two parts to divide the component into a first part and a second part, the first part of the component comprising a first part of the first structure, the first part of the first structure being coupled to the second structure, and the second part of the component comprising a second part of the first structure, the second part of the first structure being coupled to the third structure, the first electrode being configured to be connected to the first part of the first structure, the second electrode being configured to be connected to the second structure, wherein the first part of the first structure and the second structure are coupled together in an electrically chemical manner, and wherein the first structure and the second structure are made of different materials; a chamber configured to run one or more cycles while the first portion of the first structure, the first electrode, and the second electrode are positioned within the chamber; and A measurement device is configured to receive data from the first electrode and the second electrode and to measure one or more parameters based at least in part on the data, wherein a corrosion level regarding the first portion of the first structure, the second structure, or both is configured to be determined based at least in part on the one or more parameters.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The measuring device is located outside the chamber.
3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first structure includes a honeycomb structure made of metal.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The second structure comprises a plate made of plastic.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The first structure comprises a honeycomb structure made of aluminium and wherein the second structure comprises a panel made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The second structure has a plurality of through holes formed therethrough.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein: The measuring device comprises a voltage stabilizer, The first electrode comprises a working electrode, The second electrode comprises a reference electrode, and The one or more parameters include a voltage difference between a first portion of the first structure and the second structure.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more cycles include a spray cycle, a dry cycle, a wet cycle, or a combination of the three.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first structure and the second structure are part of a component in a carrier.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first structure and the second structure are part of a component in an aircraft.
11. A system for measuring corrosion, the system comprising: a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being configured to be connected to a component, the component comprising a first structure, a second structure and a third structure, wherein the first structure is coupled to and positioned between the second structure and the third structure, and wherein the first structure is cut into two parts to divide the component into a first part and a second part, the first part of the component comprising a first part of the first structure, the first part of the first structure being coupled to the second structure, and the second part of the component comprising a second part of the first structure, the second part of the first structure being coupled to the third structure, the first electrode being configured to be connected to the first part of the first structure, wherein the first structure is a honeycomb structure comprising aluminum; the second electrode being configured to be connected to the second structure, wherein the second structure is a plate made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and wherein the first part of the first structure and the second structure are electrically coupled together; a chamber configured to operate a spray cycle and a dry cycle when the first portion of the first structure, the first electrode, and the second electrode are positioned inside the chamber; and A potentiostat configured to receive data from the first electrode and the second electrode and to measure a voltage difference between the first structure and the second structure based at least in part on the data, wherein a corrosion level regarding a first portion of the first structure, the second structure, or both is configured to be determined based at least in part on the voltage difference.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The first structure and the second structure are configured to be sprayed with a liquid salt solution having a temperature of about 30° C. to about 40° C. during the spray cycle, and wherein the first structure and the second structure are configured to be blown with air having a temperature of about 20° C. to about 50° C. during the dry cycle.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The liquid salt solution included 5% NaCl and HAc at pH 3.
14. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The chamber is also configured to operate a wet cycle when the first electrode, the first structure, the second electrode, and the second structure are positioned inside the chamber, wherein the first structure and the second structure are configured to be blown with air having a temperature of about 20°C to about 50°C during the dry cycle, and wherein the humidity of the air blown during the wet cycle is greater than the humidity of the air blown during the dry cycle.
15. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: The first structure is a first part of the honeycomb structure after the honeycomb structure is cut into two parts.
16. A method for measuring corrosion of a component comprising a first structure, a second structure and a third structure, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a first electrode to a first portion of the first structure; connecting a second electrode to the second structure, wherein a first portion of the first structure and the second structure are galvanically coupled together, and wherein the first structure and the second structure are made of different materials; positioning a first portion of the first structure, the first electrode, and the second electrode in a chamber; running one or more cycles in the chamber; measuring one or more parameters associated with a first portion of the first structure and the second structure based on data received from the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein a corrosion level associated with the first portion of the first structure, the second structure, or both is configured to be determined based at least in part on the one or more parameters, wherein the first structure is coupled to and positioned between the second structure and the third structure, and wherein the first structure is cut into two parts to divide the component into a first part and a second part, the first part of the component includes a first part of the first structure, the first part of the first structure is coupled to the second structure, and the second part of the component includes a second part of the first structure, the second part of the first structure is coupled to the third structure.
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of: Prior to positioning the first portion of the component in the chamber, a sealant is applied to the connection between the first electrode and the first portion of the first structure.
18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The corrosion level is configured to be measured in real time when the first structure and the second structure are in use.
