Engineering Commons^™

Optimization Of Titanium Liquid/Gas Diffusion Layers In Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Cells, Stuart Mccoy Steen

Masters Theses

Polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs), which are reverse PEM fuel cells (PEMFCs), are effective energy storage medium by producing hydrogen/oxygen from water using electricity from renewable energy sources. This is due in part because of its efficiency, high energy density, compact design, and large capacity. In a PEMEC, a liquid/gas diffusion layer (LGDL) is located between the catalyst layer and the current distributing flow field. The LGDL is expected to transport electrons, heat, and reactants/products to and from the catalyst layer with minimum voltage, current, thermal, interfacial, and fluidic losses. Carbon materials (carbon paper or carbon cloth), typically used …

Evaluation Of Organic Protective Coatings As Corrosion Prevention For The Interior Of Subsea Pipelines In Sour Gas Service, Faris M. Alkordy

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of several generic types of organic protective coatings as a corrosion protection method for the interior of subsea pipelines in sour gas media. The sour gas environment was simulated in the laboratory by the use of an Autoclave and the performance of the organic coatings was studied via the use of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Linear Polarization Resistance (LPR) tests to determine the coatings resistance, capacitance and corrosion behavior before and after the exposure to sour gas environment. The coating degradation and the corrosion products formed were examined by …

Feasibility Of Cathodic Protection In Grouted Post Tensioned Tendons - Exploratory Model Calculations, Jacob Dharma Bumgardner

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Recent corrosion related failures of grouted post tensioned tendons, even after the introduction of improved grouts, have led to renewed interest in supplemental or backup means of corrosion control for these systems. A finite element model is presented to explore feasibility of impressed current cathodic protection of strand in grouted tendons. The model examines polarization evolution as function of service time and includes consideration of anode placement and size, grout porosity, pore water alkalinity, electrochemical species diffusivity and applied voltage on the polarization efficacy and durability of such a system. The exploratory model projections suggested that, within the context of …

Isolating Corrosion Of Steel Plates Coupled With Titanium, Anil Patnaik, X. Shan, M. Adams, T. Srivatsan, Craig Menzemer, Joe Payer

Craig Menzemer

Over twenty six percent of the bridges in the United States are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Corrosion of steel used in structures like bridges and buildings is a problem that has gained increased interest and focused concern. Steel is often the metal that is preferred for use in such applications due to a synergism of ease of availability, acceptable mechanical properties and cost effectiveness. Through the years, titanium has grown in strength, stature and significance to be recognized as an emerging high performance metal that is both stronger and lighter than steel. A distinctive property of titanium and its …

High Temperature Oxidation Kinetics Of Dysprosium Particles, Brian J. Jaques, Darryl P. Butt

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Rare earth elements have been recognized as critical materials for the advancement of many strategic and green technologies. Recently, the United States Department of Energy has invested many millions of dollars to enhance, protect, and forecast their production and management. The work presented here attempts to clarify the limited and contradictory literature on the oxidation behavior of the rare earth metal, dysprosium. Dysprosium particles were isothermally oxidized from 500 to 1000 °C in N₂–(2%, 20%, and 50%) O₂ and Ar–20% O₂ using simultaneous thermal analysis techniques. Two distinct oxidation regions were identified at each isothermal temperature …

Analysis Of A Clinically Failed, Mechanically Intact, Reconstructive Compression Plate, Bharadwaj Cheruvu, Sunil Karmacharya, Richard T. Laughlin, Tarun Goswami

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

A reconstructive orthopedic bone plate was submitted for analysis. Traditional failure analysis methods were used to assess the mode of the plate failure. Metallographic investigation of the plate was carried out in this report. Since limited data was available in the literature and clinical data related to subject demography, date of removal as well as reasons for removal unknown, in depth analysis was not possible. However, the plate was received in in-tact condition with minor biological deposits and scratches, it is speculated that the failure of the plate may have been due to biological/clinical reasons, likely infection, rejecting the device …

Rock Bolt Corrosion - An Experimental Study, Naj Aziz, P Craig, Jan Nemcik, Faisal Hai

Faisal I Hai

The effect of long term exposure of full size bolts to corrosive environments is presented. A special test rig was used to test four bolts under different loading conditions. Four X-grade identical profile bolts, each 21·7 mm core diameter (23·7 mm full diameter) were subjected to prolonged corrosion testing using acid sulphate water. The pH value of the circulated water varied between 3·4 and 4·3. The corrosion exposure test period lasted 3·5 years. Two bolts were axially loaded to 10 t and 20 t force respectively, the third bolt was subjected to a 360 Nm torsion load and the fourth …

Evaluation Of Deterioration Of Structural Concrete Due To Chloride Intrusion And Other Damaging Mechanisms, Sudhir Palle, Brian K. Howell, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Bobby W. Meade

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky's bridges continue to age and experience distress. The intrusion of chlorides into concrete remains the primary mechanism for deterioration. It leads to reinforcing steel corrosion that damages the adjoining concrete structure. This study found problematic chloride concentrations in Kentucky concrete bridge elements (decks, pier caps, abutments). Chloride levels have been found at concentrations sufficient to initiate reinforcing steel corrosion. In some cases, chloride concentrations were sufficient to cause accelerated corrosion and produce major section loss of reinforcing steel. Advanced stages of corrosion such as these typically require costly repairs and maintenance to extend the service life of bridges.

Field …

Extrinsic Influence Of Environment On The Corrosion Behaviour Of Enamel-Coated Steel Dowel Bars, Srikanth Bajaj, Anil Patnaik, Joe Payer, Robert Liang, Kannan Manigandan, Tirumalai Srivatsan

Anil Patnaik

A new type of enamel coated dowel bars for use as concrete pavements has been recently developed and implemented. A gradual deterioration of such bars can occur due to corrosion occurring at locations of the fine microscopic cracks and other defects in the coating. The results of a study aimed at evaluating and understanding the corrosion resistance of such dowel bars is presented and comparisons made with corresponding epoxy-coated dowel bars. Identical defects were introduced onto the surface of the dowel bars with the two types of coatings. The extrinsic influence of environment and resultant corrosion based on type, location …

Isolating Corrosion Of Steel Plates Coupled With Titanium, Anil Patnaik, X. Shan, M. Adams, T. Srivatsan, Craig Menzemer, Joe Payer

Anil Patnaik

Over twenty six percent of the bridges in the United States are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Corrosion of steel used in structures like bridges and buildings is a problem that has gained increased interest and focused concern. Steel is often the metal that is preferred for use in such applications due to a synergism of ease of availability, acceptable mechanical properties and cost effectiveness. Through the years, titanium has grown in strength, stature and significance to be recognized as an emerging high performance metal that is both stronger and lighter than steel. A distinctive property of titanium and its …

Extrinsic Influence Of Environment On The Corrosion Behaviour Of Enamel-Coated Steel Dowel Bars, Srikanth Bajaj, Anil Patnaik, Joe Payer, Robert Liang, Kannan Manigandan, Tirumalai Srivatsan

Robert Y. Liang

A new type of enamel coated dowel bars for use as concrete pavements has been recently developed and implemented. A gradual deterioration of such bars can occur due to corrosion occurring at locations of the fine microscopic cracks and other defects in the coating. The results of a study aimed at evaluating and understanding the corrosion resistance of such dowel bars is presented and comparisons made with corresponding epoxy-coated dowel bars. Identical defects were introduced onto the surface of the dowel bars with the two types of coatings. The extrinsic influence of environment and resultant corrosion based on type, location …

System Reliability Analysis For Anchor-Stabilised Slopes Considering Stochastic Corrosion Of Anchors, Lin Li, Robert Liang, Hanlong Liu

Robert Y. Liang

In this paper, a methodology using Monte Carlo simulation method was developed in conjunction with the modified limiting equilibrium method of slices. Additionally, the time-dependent deterioration of bond capacity of corroding soil anchors was developed in this methodology due to the attack of chlorides. Uncertainties of anchor-related variables and soil parameters were considered using pertinent statistical descriptors. Furthermore, the inherent stochastic nature of the corrosion and degradation process for the anchor/slope system was identified and incorporated in the simulation. A PC-based software, C-UASLOPE, has been coded to allow for handling of complex slope geometry, soil profile and groundwater conditions. An …

Gfrp Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks (Kyspr 96-169), David Deitz, Issam Harik, Hans Gesund

Issam E. Harik

This report investigates the application of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars in concrete bridge decks as a potential replacement or supplement to conventional steel rebars. Tests were conducted to determine the material properties of the GFRP reinforcement, and experiments were performed to study aspects of GFRP rebar placement in actual bridge decks. These included observation of GFRP rebar handling characteristics and worker response during construction. Load tests of full-scale reinforced concrete specimens were conducted to evaluate the characteristics of three reinforcing schemes: (1) an epoxy coated steel (ECS) reinforcing scheme; (2) a GFRP reinforcing scheme, and (3) a Hybrid …

Swelling-Etching Characterization Of Copper (I) Oxide - Pdms For The Development Of Micro/Nano - Particles Composite Mems Corrosion Sensor, Abdoul Kader Maiga

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective for this thesis is to contribute to the understanding of the oxide removal process for a corrosion sensing device. The goal for designing such a device is for monitoring corrosion on metallic structures. The sensing material (6.35mm x 1mm discs) of the device is composed of copper (I) oxide particles mixed in some polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The PDMS, “housing,” is meant for controlling the oxidation rate through the sensing material. A solvent was used to facilitate the etchant diffusion through the PDMS matrix. Toluene and acetic acid were the ideal solvent and etchant, respectively, for carrying out the …

Fabrication And Material Characterization Of Copper And Copper-Cnt Micropillars, Siavash Ghanbari, Jeff Darabi

SIUE Faculty Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

In this work, copper micropillars and copper-carbon nanotube (CNT) composite micropillars were fabricated by incorporating an electrodeposition technique with a xurography process. In order to disperse carbon nanotubes in copper-CNT micropillars, various amounts of CNTs were added to the electroplating bath. Surface morphology and phase characterization of copper micropillars and copper-CNT composite micropillars were analyzed by optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. In addition, the corrosion resistance (R_p) of a bare copper substrate, copper micropillars, and optimum copper-CNT micropillars were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique in a 3.5 wt. % sodium chloride. Experimental results yielded a corrosion …

Rfid Tags For Detecting Concrete Degradation In Bridge Decks, Tyler J. Lesthaeghe, Samuel Frishman, Stephen D. Holland, Terry J. Wipf

Tyler J Lesthaeghe

Steel reinforcing bar (rebar) corrosion due to chlorine ingress is the primary degradation mechanism for bridge decks. In areas where rock salt is used as a de-icing agent, salt water seeps into the concrete through cracks, causing corrosion of the rebar and potentially leading to catastrophic failure if not repaired. This project explores the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags as low-cost corrosion sensors. RFID tags, when embedded in concrete, will fail due to corrosion in the same manner as rebar after prolonged exposure to salt water. In addition, the presence of salt water interferes with the ability to …

The Microstructure And The Electrochemical Behavior Of Cobalt Chromium Molybdenum Alloys From Retrieved Hip Implants, Christopher P. Emerson

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Because of their excellent mechanical, tribological, and electrochemical properties, Cobalt Chromium Molybdenum alloys have been used as the material for both the stem and head of modular hip implants. Corrosion is one mechanism by which metal debris, from these implants, is generated, which can lead to adverse events that requires revision surgery. Manufacturing process such as wrought, as-cast, and powder metallurgy influences the microstructure, material properties, and performance of these implants

The current research focuses on analyzing the microstructure of CoCrMo alloys from retrieved hip implants with optical and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, energy disperse spectroscopy was utilized to determine …

On The Fe Enrichment During Anodic Polarization Of Mg And Its Impact On Hydrogen Evolution, D. Lysne, S. Thomas, M. F. Hurley, N. Birbilis

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Iron (Fe) is an unintentional impurity present in pure magnesium (Mg) and Mg alloys, albeit nominally in low and innocuous concentrations (< 100 ppmw). Since Fe, like most metals, is more noble than Mg, the presence of Fe impurities can serve as cathodic sites within the Mg matrix. During anodic polarization of Mg, incongruent dissolution can lead to undissolved Fe impurities accumulating upon the Mg surface, permitting an increase in the overall rate of hydrogen evolution. The experimental manifestation of the incongruent dissolution of Mg, has not yet been clarified, wherein, the extent and efficiency of Fe enrichment during anodic polarization is not known, and also the increase in the hydrogen evolution rate due to Fe enrichment has not been quantified. In this work, Mg specimens with Fe concentration between 40 to 13,000 ppmw were examined in 0.1 M NaCl to obtain a quantitative relation between the Fe concentration and the rate of cathodic hydrogen evolution. These base-line alloys were then anodically polarized to facilitate surface Fe enrichment, and subsequently again cathodically polarized to determine the impact of prior dissolution and Fe enrichment on the subsequent hydrogen evolution. A simple model to predict Fe enrichment was used to analyze the electrochemical data and predict the extent and efficiency of Fe enrichment.

Mechanically- And Electrochemically- Induced Damage At Metal Interfaces Of Joint Replacements And The Biological Consequences, Pooja Panigrahi

All Dissertations

Retrieval analysis has emerged as one of the most direct and informative ways to analyze mechanisms of orthopaedic device failure. With a rising projected demand for revision joint arthroplasty, 268,200 revision total knee replacements (TKR) and 96,700 revision total hip replacements (THR) in 2030, metal interfaces in joint replacements are currently under intense scientific focus as the interactions among mechanical and electrochemical processes continue to challenge the orthopaedic device industry. The objective of these studies was to use implant retrieval and in in vitro analyses to determine the effects of material and mechanical properties on wear and corrosion, and to …

Weak Magnetic Field Accelerates Chromate Removal By Zero-Valent Iron, Pian Feng, Xiaohong Guan, Yuankui Sun, Wonyong Choi, Hejie Qin, Jianmin Wang, Junlian Qiao, Lina Li

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Weak magnetic field (WMF) was employed to improve the removal of Cr(VI) by zero-valent iron (ZVI) for the first time. The removal rate of Cr(VI) was elevated by a factor of 1.12-5.89 due to the application of a WMF, and the WMF-induced improvement was more remarkable at higher Cr(VI) concentration and higher pH. Fe2+ was not detected until Cr(VI) was exhausted, and there was a positive correlation between the WMF-induced promotion factor of Cr(VI) removal rate and that of Fe²⁺ release rate in the absence of Cr(VI) at pH 4.0-5.5. These phenomena imply that ZVI corrosion with Fe^{2+ …}

In-Vivo Corrosion And Fretting Of Modular Ti-6al-4v/Co-Cr-Mo Hip Prostheses: The Influence Of Microstructure And Design Parameters, Jose Luis Gonzalez Jr

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of corrosion and fretting in 48 retrieved titanium-6aluminum-4vanadium and/or cobalt-chromium-molybdenum modular total hip prosthesis with respect to alloy material microstructure and design parameters. The results revealed vastly different performance results for the wide array of microstructures examined. Severe corrosion/fretting was seen in 100% of as-cast, 24% of low carbon wrought, 9% of high carbon wrought and 5% of solution heat treated cobalt-chrome. Severe corrosion/fretting was observed in 60% of Ti-6Al-4V components. Design features which allow for fluid entry and stagnation, amplification of contact pressure and/or increased micromotion were also shown …

Combinatorial Approach To Turbine Bond Coat Discovery, Christopher Metting, Johnathan Bunn, Ellen Underwood, Stephen Smoak, Jason Hattrick-Simpers

Jason R. Hattrick-Simpers

No abstract provided.

Comparing Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Methods For Estimating The Degree Of Delamination Of Organic Coatings On Steel, S. A. Mccluney, S. N. Popova, Branko N. Popov, Ralph E. White, R. B. Griffin

Ralph E. White

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to evaluate the degree of delamination of the epoxy primer Uniprime ED-4¹ electrocoated on phosphate-treated cold-rolled steel in 3.5% NaCl exposed to air. Specimens with coating thicknesses of 20.3 and 20.8 µm and surface areas of 78.5 cm² were used. Coating parameters were obtained using a circuit-analog model. The area of delamination was estimated using several EIS parameters, including the pore resistance and the break point frequency. These values were compared to the corroded area determined visually. All methods considered exhibited a strong correlation over some or all of the range of …

A Mathematical Model For The Initial Corrosion Rate Of A Porous Layer On A Rotating Disk Electrode, William E. Ryan, Ralph E. White, S. L. Kelly

Ralph E. White

A mathematical model is presented for the initial corrosion rate of a porous layer on a rotating disk electrode. The model is used to predict the corrosion potential and corrosion current density for a porous electrode made of pure iron in aerated caustic solutions. The dependence of these predictions on some of the properties of the porous layer is presented. It is shown that the corrosion rate depends significantly on the specific surface area of the porous electrode.

Development Of A New Electrodeposition Process For Plating Of Zn-Ni-X (X = Cd, P) Alloys: I. Corrosion Characteristics Of Zn-Ni-Cd Ternary Alloys, Anand Durairajan, Bala S. Haran, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov

Ralph E. White

A new Zn-Ni-Cd plating process was developed which offers a unique way of controlling and optimizing the Ni and Cd contents in the final deposit. Zinc-nickel-cadmium alloy was deposited from a 0.5 M NiSO₄ + 0.2 M ZnSO₄ bath in the presence of 0.015 M CdSO₄ and 1 g/L nonyl phenyl polyethylene oxide. Using this process a Zn-Ni-Cd ternary alloy, with a higher nickel content as compared to that obtained from conventional Zn-Ni baths, was synthesized. The Zn-Ni-Cd alloy coatings deposited from an electrolyte containing 0.015 M (0.3%) CdSO₄ has a Zn to Ni ratio of …

A Review Of Survivability And Remedial Actions Of Tidal Current Turbines

Faculty of Engineering University of Malaya

Tidal current energy is one of the most predictable ocean renewable energies. Survivability of the device used to harness tidal power and its remedial actions are critical to ensure a successful power generation. Marine environment is harsh with the continuous attacks of waves, current saline water and microorganism. Support structures are discussed including gravity base, monopile, tripod/piled jacket and floating structure. Extreme weather increases the wave height and current speed to produce high loading at the turbine. Support structure is designed to sustain the loadings from the extreme weather. Protective seabed unit should be included to prevent the seabed scouring. …

Engineering And Sustainability Performance Of Self-Compacting Palm Oil Mill Incinerated Waste Concrete

Faculty of Engineering University of Malaya

The different stages in the processing of palm oil generate various types of waste by-products, which have to be disposed of appropriately for a cleaner environment and to reduce pollution. In this study, palm oil clinker (POC), one of the by-products of the palm oil mill, was utilized in the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC). SCC has diverse types of structural application due to its own enhanced self-consolidating behaviour. The proportioning of the mixes was based on particle packing, which integrates both aggregate packing and void volume for a mix of aggregates. Combinations of POC and natural aggregate were studied …

The Examination Of Stress Corrosion Cracking In High Strength Carbon Steel Through Combined Mechanical-Electrochemical Testing, Jacob Sines

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Through the analysis of materials and environments seen in industry a better understanding of the fundamentals behind degradation mechanisms can be observed. The scope of this project was to better understand the fundamentals behind the degradation of high strength pipeline steels in a lab setting to simulate an environment seen in industry. Specifically the degradation mechanisms of high and nearly neutral pH stress corrosion cracking were examined in environments that simulated oil and gas pipelines buried in soil. Experimentation was carried out utilizing X65 carbon steel specimen, a Gamry potentiostat, a CORTEST proof ring, a CORTEST slow strain rate machine, …

Corrosion Protection Afforded By Praseodymium Conversion Film On Mg Alloy Aznd In Simulated Biological Fluid Studied By Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy, Seyed S. Jamali, Simon E. Moulton, Dennis E. Tallman, Maria Forsyth, Jan Weber, Azadehsadat Mirabedini, Gordon G. Wallace

Australian Institute for Innovative Materials - Papers

Surface passivation of AZNd Mg alloy with Pr(NO₃)₃ is studied using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) in surface generation/tip collection (SG/TC) and AC modes. Corrosion protection afforded by the Pr treatment and the degradation mechanism in a simulated biological environment was examined on a local scale and compared with non-treated AZNd. SG/TC mode results revealed a drastic decrease in H2 evolution due to the Pr treatment. Mapping the local insulating characteristics using AC-SECM showed higher conductivity of the surface where H₂ evolution was most favorable.

Metallic Encapsulation For High Temperature (>500 °C) Thermal Energy Storage Applications, Abhinav Bhardwaj

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Deployment of high temperature (>500 °C) thermal energy storage in solar power plants will make solar power more cost competitive and pave the way towards a sustainable future. In this research, a unique metallic encapsulation has been presented for thermal energy storage at high temperatures, capable of operation in aerobic conditions. This goal was achieved by employing low cost materials like carbon steel. The research work presents the unique encapsulation procedure adopted, as well as various coatings evaluated and optimized for corrosion protection. Experimental testing favored the use of 150 μm of nickel on carbon steel for corrosion protection …