Investigations on corrosion of aircrafts in the aspect of prolonged service life and operation driven by their technical condition

Research studies that are conducted by both the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and other domestic and foreign organizations indicate that investigations of corrosion phenomena present a very important factor with respect to prolongation of technical resources and operation of aircraft driven by their actual technical condition. The investigation of the corrosion degree and deterioration of protective coatings must be carried out in a systemic manner with thorough analysis of information that bring together the aircraft operation and the processes of corrosion and deterioration of protective coatings. The investigation must comprise measurements of the atmospheric corrosion in order to determine corrosive aggressiveness of the atmosphere and establish frequency and scope of corrosion inspection. Only the analysis of gathered information with its characteristics may guarantee safe operation of structural components of aircrafts according to their actual technical condition. This paper outlines the approach to corrosion investigation that is in place in AFIT.