Introduction to Lifetime Prediction

Models of materials degradation processes have been developed for a multitude of situations using a great variety of methodologies. For scientists and engineers working at developing materials, models have become an essential benchmarking element for the selection and life prediction associated with the introduction of new materials or processes. In fact models are, in this context, an accepted method to represent current understandings of reality. For systems managers the corrosion performance or under-performance of materials has a very different meaning. In the context of life cycle management, corrosion is only one element of the whole picture and the main difficulty with corrosion knowledge is to bring at the system management level.