INVESTIGATION OF CORROSION OF ELECTROPLATED NICKEL IN COLLINS CLASS SUBMARINES

摘要

The Collins Class submarines include many nickel plated components. This paper presents a case study of corrosion and repair of some of these components that were intermittently exposed to sea water. The nickel plated components suffered corrosion due to sea water attack and subsequent dissimilar metal coupling. The corrosion resulted in metal loss which introduced a risk of serious impact on the function of the components. Short term repair of the components was implemented by way of localised weld repair and selective brush plating with nickel. Simultaneously, investigations into long term solutions were carried out. Repair of the components by Inconel~R clad welding was implemented to provide long term corrosion protection. Qualification for welding the intricate shape of the components was conducted and corrosion trials completed. The solution has been successful. The cost of the solution was significant but the benefit of assuring hull integrity and submariner safety justified the expense.