Investigation of quasi-stationary magnetic fields of corrosion currents of zinc-copper cells using giant magneto-impedance magnetometer

•GMI sensor has been used to measure magnetic field of corrosion of zinc-copper cells.•Copper samples have one or two anode (zinc) inclusions located at various distances.•Simulation program has been developed to interpret the magnetic images of corrosion.

A scanning giant magneto-impedance (GMI) magnetometer has been used to measure small magnetic fields of corrosion currents in zinc-copper cells. In situ magnetic images of the copper plates with one or two small anode (zinc) inclusions of different sizes located at various distances at the sample surface have been obtained. To interpret the magnetic images of the corrosion currents a numerical simulation program has been developed. A good qualitative agreement between experimental and theoretical results proves that the scanning GMI magnetometry is a promising tool for in situ investigation of some of local corrosion processes.