Numerical Simulation of Crevice Corrosion of Stainless Steel-Titanium in NaCl Solution

A multiphysics model based on the finite element method was adopted, emphasizing a deeper insight into the rarely studied crevice corrosion behavior of stainless steel and titanium overlapping. The model takes into account damage due to corrosion inside the crevice, different species transportation, local electrochemical reactions, homogeneous reactions in the electrolyte, and formation of a corrosion product and its influence on electrochemical reaction. The simulation results show that the location of the greatest attack for stainless steel is at the crevice opening; this finding is consistent with the IR drop theory. The potential increases gradually from the tip to the opening of the crevice, and the current changes smoothly following a sharp rise at the opening. The minimum and maximum values of pH and Cl- concentration are both in the middle and opening of the crevice. The influence of the crevice size on corrosion is also discussed in detail.

Automated summary

This study uses a multiphysics model based on the finite element method to investigate the rarely studied crevice corrosion behavior of stainless steel and titanium overlapping. The model considers damage due to corrosion, species transportation, electrochemical reactions, homogeneous reactions, and the influence of corrosion products. Simulation results reveal that the maximum corrosion occurs at the crevice opening, confirming the IR drop theory. The pH and Cl- concentration reach their minimum and maximum values in the middle and opening of the crevice, and the influence of crevice size on corrosion is also examined.