Object Corrosion Prediction With Time-Based Node Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining corrosion are computationally expensive, time-consuming, and lack accuracy in predicting time-dependent and position-dependent corrosion damage, often requiring extensive empirical testing and not accounting for environmental factors until after damage occurs.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines physical and environmental factors to predict corrosion at multiple node points on an object over time, using historical weather data and computational models to calculate cumulative corrosion, allowing for early design adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If physics-based computational models are used to determine corrosion, then measurement precision is improved, but computing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion prediction accuracyVSAvoidcomputing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The object is divided into multiple discrete node points distributed across its surface. Corrosion is calculated independently at each node point based on local environmental exposure and material properties, then aggregated to determine overall corrosion. This segmentation allows parallel computation and reduces the complexity of solving the entire object as a single system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A simplified computational model is created that replicates the essential corrosion physics without requiring full first-principles calculations. The model uses empirical relationships and simplified physics equations that approximate corrosion behavior while requiring significantly less computational resources, enabling rapid evaluation across multiple node points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If first-principles modeling is used to account for complex physics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computing resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion prediction accuracyVSAvoidmodeling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The model transitions from detailed first-principles parameters to simplified effective parameters that capture the dominant corrosion mechanisms. Instead of solving complete electrochemical field equations, the system uses simplified relationships between environmental factors (humidity, temperature, pollutants) and corrosion rates, maintaining accuracy for practical purposes while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The model focuses on capturing the most significant corrosion mechanisms and environmental factors rather than attempting to model every physical and chemical process. By concentrating computational effort on the dominant factors (such as moisture accumulation, oxygen availability, and pollutant exposure), the system achieves sufficient accuracy without the excessive complexity of complete first-principles modeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of time

If empirical models are used to predict corrosion, then computing time is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel execution timeVSAvoidcorrosion prediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Material-specific corrosion parameters and environmental sensitivity factors are pre-determined through laboratory testing and historical data analysis. These pre-characterized parameters are stored in databases and used during operational corrosion predictions, eliminating the need for repeated extensive testing while maintaining accuracy. The preliminary characterization captures complex material-environment interactions that can then be applied rapidly in service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If corrosion analysis is performed after damage occurs, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of prevention decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis timing flexibilityVSAvoidcorrosion prevention effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The corrosion evaluation system is integrated into the design phase, allowing corrosion predictions to be made before the object is manufactured or deployed. Designers can evaluate different material selections, coatings, and geometric configurations for their corrosion resistance, and make optimization decisions before commitment to manufacturing. This preliminary assessment enables prevention-oriented design rather than post-damage remediation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate, time-efficient prediction of corrosion damage, facilitating early design modifications to mitigate corrosion risks and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

determining the corrosion of the object at the node points based on the physical factors and the environmental factors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorrosion:

Data Source

PatentUS12461015B2Method for determining corrosion of an object
Publication Date: 2025.11.04 THE BOEING CO
  • US12461015B2 patent drawing
  • US12461015B2 patent drawing
  • US12461015B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods of determining corrosion of an object that occurs over a time period. The methods determine physical factors of the object and environmental factors that occur during the time period. Node points are determined on the object. At different times during the time period, the methods determine the corrosion of the object at the node points based on the physical factors and the environmental factors. A cumulative corrosion of the object is determined based on the corrosion determined at each of the node points at each of the times.