A cavitation facility was used to study the cavitation corrosion behavior of UNS F41003 cast alloy in
seawater. The work included measurements of free corrosion potentials, and mass loss in the presence
and absence of cavitation. The cavitation tests were made at a frequency of 20 KHz and at temperatures
of 250C. Cavitation conditions caused a noble shift in the free corrosion potential for UNS F41003
alloy. Cavitation also increased the rate of mass loss of this alloy by several orders of magnitude with
respect to stagnant conditions. Another set of cavitation experiments was also carried out for this alloy
in a nonconductive medium in order to distinguish between the mechanical and electrochemical factors
that contribute to metal loss. Results indicated that the mechanical factor has an over riding role in metal
loss of this alloy. Cavitation made the surface of this alloy very rough, exhibiting large cavity pits in the
middle region of the attacked area as revealed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mechanical
factors were determined to be the leading cause of metal loss.
Keywords: Cast alloy, seawater, kerosene, metal loss, free corrosion-potential