Fundamental understanding of the environmental factors essential for environmental assisted fracture (EAF) of cast magnesium alloys (2004-2007)

This project proposes a combined theoretical and experimental approach to understand the key environmental factors causing EAF of commercial cast magnesium alloys. Rather than testing all possibilities, it is proposed to establish a mechanistic understanding for EAF, and to test and expand that understanding through key experiments. EAF is a particularly dangerous and complicated form of corrosion. Existing experience indicates that EAF incidence will increase as magnesium alloys are increasingly used in more challenging applications. The results and insights from this research will help to underpin a major new industry and industrial applications.