MIL-HDBK-735

Abstract

The scope of this handbook is broad. Information is presented that can be used to anticipate, prevent, recognize, and control the deterioration of metals used in Army materiel. The metals considered in this handbook been used and are likely to be used in Army materiel. <br>Corrosion of a metal depends upon the environment to which it is exposed and the condition of the metal. The condition of a metal is influenced by the environments to which it has been exposed previously. This handbook includes the effects of environments encountered in production, transportation, storage, and use. <br>Corrosion occurs through a variety of processes and mechanisms, and the effects of corrosion appear in several modes of deterioration and failure. A discussion of the likely appearance, the possible intensity, and probable mechanisms of the various types of corrosion is presented. <br>Several different metals and nonmetals are often combined in an item of Army materiel. Some combinations have high corrosion risk, whereas others have little risk. Information on the possible corrosion risk of metal-to-metal and metal-to-nonmetal interfaces is presented. <br>Several means are available for intervening in a corroding system to prevent or control the corrosion process. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to allow corrosion to occur. In these cases allowances for the corrosion effects or provision for periodic replacement of the damaged component should be made in the design. This handbook discusses means for preventing and controlling corrosion and allowing for the effects of corrosion. <br>The sources of most practical corrosion information are testing and operational experience. Thus this handbook discusses <br>1. Laboratory and field testing <br>2. The use of accelerated testing <br>3. The documentation of test results <br>4. Assessment of test significance. <br>The importance of feedback of operational experience to the design process is also covered. <br>Means of corrosion prevention and control should be built into all Army materiel. Therefore, this handbook also describes inspection and quality assurance procedures that relate to corrosion. <br>Emphasis is placed on lessons learned by Army and other organizations through research and development, testing and evaluation, and operational experience. This cumulative experience includes both successes and failures associated with corrosion of materiel. Examples of corrosion of Army materiel are given. <br>This information is presented so that it can be used easily by the many individuals who have an opportunity to reduce the effects of corrosion on Army materiel. This part, <i>Part One</i>, of the <i>Material Deterioration Prevention and Control Guide for Army Materiel</i> discusses corrosion of metals; Part Two of the guide considers deterioration of nonmetals.