MIL-HDBK-729

Abstract

MIL-HDBK-729 contains technical information and data pertaining to the corrosion and corrosion protection of metals and alloys. The factors influencing corrosion, forms of corrosive attack including stress-corrosion cracking and hydrogen-stress cracking (hydrogen embrittlement), corrosion characteristics of metals, and general methods of protecting metals and alloys from corrosion, are covered in condensed form, along with information on corrosion testing. Emphasis is placed upon the type of corrosion encountered by military equipment. <br>MIL-HDBK-729 was developed for the Department of Defense (DoD) in accordance with standard procedure and in compliance with policies and requirements of the Defense Standardization Program (DSP). <br>DoD Directive 4120.3 establishes, and together with the Defense Standardization Manual 4120.3-M, "Standardization Policies, Procedures and Instructions," implements the DSP. Because of the comprehensive description of the DSP provided in these documents detailed discussion is not presented here. However, the following definition of Standardization, taken from DoD Directive 4120.3, in effect summarizes the DSP. <br>"Standardization is the adoption and use (by consensus or decision) of engineering criteria to achieve the objectives of the DSP. These criteria are applied, as appropriate, in design, development, procurement, production, inspection, supply, maintenance, and disposal of equipment and supplies." <br>As implied in the preceeding definition, the mission of the DoD with respect to standardization is to develop, establish, and maintain a comprehensive and integrated system of technical documentation in support of design, development, engineering, procurement, inspection, maintenance, and supply management. <br>MIL-HDBK-729 is one of a group of standardization handbooks covering the metallic and nonmetallic materials used in the construction of military equipment. These handbooks are part of the previously referenced integrated system of technical documentation developed, established, and maintained by the DoD in support of the DSP. <br>The basis for the development of MIL-HDBK-729 then is the DSP. The specific purpose of MIL-HDBK-729 is to provide technical information and data on the many aspects of corrosion of metals for use in achieving the objectives of the DSP. The provisions of DoD Directive 4120.3 apply to all departments and agencies of the DoD, consequently, the data provided by the handbook are intended for application, as appropriate, in design, development, procurement, production, inspection, maintenance, supply, and disposal of military equipment and supplies.