Final answer:
Bonding and grounding straps used on aircraft and electrical systems can cause galvanic corrosion, where metal deterioration occurs through oxidation. Protective coatings and other measures such as cathodic protection and sacrificial electrodes are employed to prevent corrosion. Metals like aluminum, used in aircraft, are naturally protected by a thin oxide layer or additional protective materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bonding and grounding straps used on aircraft and electrical equipment are major sources of galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion is a REDOX process where metals deteriorate through oxidation, typically to their oxides, but sometimes taking other forms, such as patina on copper and brass. This type of corrosion can lead to rapid deterioration of the metal, particularly when there is direct contact between two different metals in the presence of an electrolyte, creating an electrochemical cell with anodic and cathodic sites.
Preventing and treating corrosion is critical in the aviation industry due to the safety and economic implications. Protective coatings can prevent oxygen and water from reaching the metal surface, and thus inhibit corrosion. However, if coatings are breached, corrosion can rapidly occur, leading to large pits forming under the surface, which can result in sudden failures. Aluminum used in aircraft is typically protected by a thin oxide film and possibly an additional layer of material to obstruct further oxidation. Other strategies for corrosion protection include using stainless steels, which are alloyed with elements like chromium and nickel to resist corrosion, providing a physical barrier against anodic and cathodic reactions, or applying more easily oxidized metals such as zinc in galvanized steel for cathodic protection. Sacrificial electrodes can also be used in corrosion protection methods to protect the primary metal surface.
Galvanic corrosion is a concern in aircraft and electrical equipment because they often contain a variety of different metals near, which, when connected with bonding and grounding straps, can create galvanic cells. Addressing this issue is a high priority due to the potentially catastrophic outcomes of structural failures caused by corrosion, sparking both proactive prevention and active remediation efforts within the industry.