Reliability of numerical models for simulating galvanic corrosion processes

Maturity of numerical simulation represents an important issue in the development of predictive models of galvanic corrosion. As widely used in electrochemical engineering, a coupled electrochemical-transport-reaction (CETR) model is recommended to simulate the current distribution above a galvanic corrosion cell made of the cut-edge of a galvanized steel sheet. Nevertheless, simulating current density distributions obtained experimentally by scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) above such a galvanic cell appears to be more accurate using an electrostatic model considering a homogeneous conductivity. In this case, the absence of concentration gradients next to the electrode surface results from convection induced by the microelectrode vibrations.