Finite element implementation of a peridynamic pitting corrosion damage model

- Finite element implementation of a peridynamic pitting corrosion damage model is accomplished.
- Implicit time integration is utilized.
- The capabilities of the numerical framework have been extended to the modelling of realistic pit morphologies.
- The influence of microstructural features of the material, i.e. intermetallic particles is investigated.

Despite the significant improvements in the understanding of pitting corrosion, many aspects of this phenomenon remain unclear and corrosion rate prediction based on experimental data remains difficult. Experimental measurements of corrosion rates under different electrochemical conditions can be complex and time consuming, and the conclusions are limited to the timescale and the conditions in which experiments have been carried out. In order to overcome these limitations, numerical approaches can be a valuable complement. Hence, in this study a new numerical model based on peridynamics to predict pitting corrosion damage is developed. The developed model is implemented in a commercial finite element software and it allows for the reproduction of realistic pitting morphologies, modelling of microstructural effects such as the presence of intermetallic particles and the reduction of the computational cost of the simulations. In conclusion, the results of this study shows that the peridynamic models can be helpful in failure analysis and design of new corrosion-resistant materials.