Daniel Höche, HZG, Germany; Nils Bösch, Daimler AG, Germany
Galvanic corrosion, which occurs when the surfaces of different adjoining metals begin to degrade, costs the automotive industry billions of dollars annually. The reactions of these different metal combinations is influenced by material properties, surface roughness, and joining techniques in the components.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zeentrum Geesthacht (HZG) and Daimler AG created COMSOL Multiphysics applications to study corrosion in automotive parts found in car paneling. Simulation helped researchers investigate electrochemical reactions on the surface of the rivet, analyze decay in sheet metal, and understand the effects of geometry on the corrosion process. They also modeled delamination of the steel sheet and assessed the growth of a crevice between the metal layers and a cathodic coating as the zinc plating was consumed. With the understanding they gained of the electrochemical behavior, they were able to provide engineers at HZG and Daimler AG with key information to improve corrosion protection in automotive parts.
Suggested Stories
MRI Tumor-Tracked Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy targeting in cancer treatment involves many uncertainties, including the movement of targeted sites ...
WiTricity Leverages Magnetic Resonance for Flexible Wireless Charging
Engineers at WiTricity have developed a flexible wireless charging setup that relies on magnetic resonance and can be ...
Keeping Cool: SRON Develops Thermal Calibration System for Deep-Space Telescope
Deep-space telescopes require ultrasensitive detectors and calibration to pick up weak far-infrared signals. The SpicA ...
Lightweighting with Aluminum: Corrosion Apps Guide Leading Design
To achieve fuel efficiency goals, conventional materials for car structures, such as structural steel, must be ...
