Because of its inherent corrosion resistance and non-magnetic properties, high alloyed austenitic stainless steel is being evaluated by the U. S. Navy for a full-scale ship structure. While other potential issues such as susceptibility to localized corrosion, marine fouling and conditions leading to liquid metal embrittlement have been discussed elsewhere, the investigation described here-in addresses the question of galvanic corrosion; in particular that associated with the welding of the candidate stainless steel UNS N08367 to itself and also to the more conventional high strength DH36 ship steel with nickel alloy UNS N06022 filler. Results of a 92-day natural seawater test comprising exposure of directly welded and electrically coupled specimens in nominal 1:1 and 10:1 surface area ratio configurations are presented and discussed. Comparisons are made with other previously reported tests comprising other stainless steel and carbon steel couples.
Keywords: Seawater, galvanic corrosion, 6 Mo alloy UNS N08367, DH36 steel UNS K02300, nickel alloy UNS N06022 welds, area effects