SEM In Situ Study on Pre-Corrosion and Fatigue Cracking Behavior of LY12CZ Aluminum Alloy

Abstract

Corrosion fatigue is a form of degradation subjected to combined damage of mechanical stress and corrosive medium, which is an issue in aircraft industry. Experimental investigations on prior corrosion fatigue cracking behavior of LY12CZ were conducted with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results indicate corrosion damage is important for the fatigue small cracking behavior of LY12CZ aluminum alloy. The effect of corrosion pit on fatigue crack can be characterized by the depth of corrosion pit. Based on small crack, another way to evaluate crack growth rate for AALY12CZ is proposed.