Corrosion Detection Technologies Sector Study

Detection of corrosion has become a high priority amongst the Services in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. As defense budgets have declined, the acquisition of new weapon systems and the number of military personnel has also declined. The Services need to extend the life of existing defense systems while ensuring the safety of these systems. Detecting and repairing corrosion problems early on will help them to accomplish this objective. Corrosion directly effects mission readiness, life extension, safety and economic life. It costs the defense community billions of dollars per year. Many corrosion conditions are hidden from view and difficult to detect, image and interpret accurately, especially in aircraft. Currently, there is insufficient technology to predict andor monitor the rate of propagation. The study identifies and assesses the maturity and applicability of corrosion detection technologies visual, eddy current, ultrasonic, radiography, thermography to accurately pinpoint and cost effectively detect corrosion problems found in defense systems. It highlights the benefits of each of the corrosion detection technologies and examines current defense and commercial activities, as well as international activities, related to corrosion detection technology development and use. It addresses the technological and policyfiscal barriers preventing the adoption andor implementation of certain corrosion detection technologies. The report provides a road map of recommendations for government and industry to more fully capitalize on the potential of corrosion detection technologies.