Beta Radiation Corrosion Detection Study, Phase II

摘要

The development of a portable gauge to demonstrate the use of beta radiation for corrosion detection was the primary goal of this program. The gauge was designed for detecting corrosion occurring at the interface between an aluminum substrate and an overlying organic protective coating. From this development program, appreciable insight was acquired for the development of a prototype gauge of this type. Test samples were fabricated from aluminum corrosion products (Al2O3) and used for calibration purposes. Laboratory data with these samples indicated that corrosion depths could be detected over a dynamic range of from 2 to about 20 mils with the presently designed gauge. Also, it was found that the gauge responded quite well to corrosion and pitting on the underside of thin metals such as aluminum and magnesium aircraft skins (skin thickness no greater than 20 mils for maximum sensitivity). The test results with calibrated surface corrosion samples and results of work concerning corrosion detection on the underside of aircraft skins are discussed. Also, photographs of the test results are given for surface and sub-surface detection. (Author)