Electrochemical potential mapping of a rapidly solidified processed light alloy

Electrochemical potential changes of a cyclically stressed SiC/Al metal matrix composite, in 3.5% NaCl solution, were scanned and mapped up to the time of failure, while simultaneously applying tensile stress, in a unique apparatus. A computer controlled electrochemical cell for performing corrosion fatigue and stress corrosion cracking was constructed with a self-aligning scanning probe and an auxiliary reference electrode 8 cm away from the specimen surface. The system was developed as a diagnostic tool which can detect, monitor and map corrosion of stressed cylindrical specimens in situ.