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Missiles and weaponry-based systems are composed of metal structures that can degrade after prolonged exposure to
environmental elements. A particular concern is accumulation of corrosion that generally results from prolonged
environmental exposure. Corrosion, defined as the unintended destruction or deterioration of a material due to its
interaction with the environment, can negatively affect both equipment and infrastructure. System readiness and safety
can be reduced if corrosion is not detected, prevented and managed. The current corrosion recognition methods (Visual,
Radiography, Ultrasonics, Eddy Current, and Thermography) are expensive and potentially unreliable. Visual perception
is the most commonly used method for determining corrosion in metal. Utilization of an inductance-based sensor system
is being proposed as part of the authors’ research. Results from this research will provide a more efficient, economical,
and non-destructive sensing approach. Preliminary results demonstrate a highly linear degradation within a corrosive
environment due to the increased surface area available on the sensor coupon. The inductance of the devices, which
represents a volume property of the coupon, demonstrated sensitivity to corrosion levels. The proposed approach allows
a direct mass-loss measurement based on the change in the inductance of the coupon when placed in an alternating
magnetic field. Prototype devices have demonstrated highly predictable corrosion rates that are easily measured using
low-power small electronic circuits and energy harvesting methods to interrogate the sensor. Preliminary testing
demonstrates that the device concept is acceptable and future opportunities for use in low power embedded applications
are achievable. Key results in this paper include the assessment of typical Army corrosion cost, degradation patterns of
varying metal materials, and application of wireless sensors elements.
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