What type of corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact with an electrolyte?

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals are in contact with each other and are exposed to an electrolyte, such as water or moisture. In this scenario, one metal acts as the anode and the other as the cathode, leading to a corrosion process where the anode (the more reactive metal) corrodes more quickly than it normally would if it were not in contact with the cathode.

This type of corrosion is particularly significant in aircraft maintenance and construction, where components made from different metals often need to be joined together. Understanding galvanic corrosion is essential for preventing damage to aircraft structures, as it can lead to serious integrity issues if not managed properly.

The phenomenon is directly influenced by the relative positions of the metals in the galvanic series; the further apart they are, the more susceptible one of the metals will be to corrosion when in contact with an electrolyte. Proper material selection and protective measures, such as coatings or insulating materials, are crucial in preventing galvanic corrosion in aircraft systems.