Jack McNamara
10/10/2024
RBN: 1016
Cleaning and corrosion
1. Describe the difference between direct chemical attack and electrochemical attack. How
are the results of each process similar?
a. A direct chemical attack occurs when a material comes into contact with a
corrosive substance that starts to break it down, without any electrical activity.
b. An electrochemical attack involves a reaction between two different metals in the
presence of an electrolyte which creates an electrical current that causes
corrosion.
c. Both processes result in material deterioration,surface pitting and loss of
structural integrity of the airplane
d. Source: AMT Handbook 8-2
2. List the factors that affect corrosion.
a. Moisture
b. Temperature
c. Electrolytes
d. Dissimilar metals
e. Pencil marks/scratches
f. Lack of protective coatings
g. Heat treatment
h. anodic/cathodic surfaces
i. Mechanical stress
j. Type of metal
k. Availability of oxygen
l. Source: AMT Handbook 8-2
3. List and define the forms of corrosion you may find on an aircraft.
a. Surface corrosion - appears on exposed surfaces, corrosion from environment
exposure
b. Pitting corrosion - localized corrosion leading to small holes or pits on metal
c. Intergranular corrosion - occurs along grain boundaries in specific metals, from
improper heat treatment
d. Stress corrosion cracking - Happens when stress and environment cause cracks
in the metal
e. Galvanic corrosion: results from contact of dissimilar metals in the presence with
an electrolyte
f. Source: AMT Handbook8-5,8-10
4. Why is interior cleaning of a commercial aircraft important for corrosion control?
a. Interior cleaning removes moisture debris and contaminants that can lead to
hidden corrosion focussing on areas where condensation or other liquids could
build up. Reduces the risk of corrosion in areas with critical components and
electrical systems.
b. Source: AMT Handbook 8-24
5. What areas of the aircraft interior requires the most attention?
a. Bathrooms(Lavatories) and galleys, floorboards,electrical compartments,
Fuselage areas near windows and doors and cargo holds.
b. Source: AMT Handbook 8-11
6. List all the corrosion prone areas and why they are classified as such.
a. Wheel well and landing gears because of the constant exposure to moisture and
fluids from the aircraft.
b. Engine components because of the high temperature and exposure to chemicals.
c. Fasteners and rivets have gaps that can trap moisture and make corrosion easier
to form
d. Wing and fuselage skins because of the constant exposure to a corrosive
environment
e. Fuel tanks are prone to corrosion because of the presence of water, which can
accumulate over time. Water being heavier than fuel it sinks to the bottom of the
tank leading to corrosion
f. Source: AMT Handbook 8-11,8-12
7. What is dissimilar metal corrosion and how is it prevented?
a. Dissimilar metal corrosion happens when two different corrosion level metals
come in contact with each other while in the presence of an electrolyte. The more
anodic metal corrodes faster. This can be prevented by cleaning, by putting an
insulator between the contact point of the 2 metals, using a protective coating, or
choosing more similar metals (Anodic or cathodic scale)
b. Source: AMT Handbook 8-5 to 8-10
