Corrosion-damage behavior of 38CrMoAlA steel under alternating hot-humid/salt-fog conditions and its effect on mechanical properties for aircraft–engine applications

• Published in: 工程科学学报 Vol. 47; no. 8; pp. 1616 - 1625
• Main Authors: Liyuan YANG, Liuyuan LI, Kaiming HUANG, Fubing LIU, Jinyang ZHU, Zhongwei ZHAN
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese
• Published: Science Press 01.08.2025
• Subjects: 38crmoala steel; acidic salt spray; corrosion; hot and humid; mechanical properties
• ISSN: 2095-9389
• DOI: 10.13374/j.issn2095-9389.2024.10.17.003

38CrMoAlA steel is widely used in critical components, such as blower drive shafts of aircraft engines, because of its remarkable mechanical properties and surface hardening potential. However, its performance in harsh marine environments, characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and salt spray, remains a notable concern. In such environments, the steel is highly susceptible to severe corrosion, which can undermine its structural integrity and operational reliability. This study systematically investigates the corrosion behavior and corrosion-induced mechanical degradation of 38CrMoAlA steel under simulated service conditions that imitate the extreme environmental exposure of an aircraft-engine blower drive shaft operating in marine settings. To replicate the harsh conditions, a multicycle accelerated corrosion test is designed, consisting of alternating exposure to wet heat and salt spray across a series of cycles. In particular, specimens were subjected to 7 d of wet heat followed by 4 d of neutral sal