CORROSION PHENOMENON IN DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES

Abstract

Corrosion is the reactions of materials with their environment, and it represents an enormous loss of material. Corrosion is the destruction, degradation, or deterioration of material resulting from chemical or electrochemical attack by its environment. All metals and alloys corrode or react with their environments. The extent and rate of this interaction are functions of both specific metal and surrounding media. Corrosion forms in Diesel Locomotive Engines auxiliary equipment such as bearings, pumps, turbocharger exhaust manifold, which were principally constructed of ferrous and iron- based alloys were highlighted with emphasis based on visual and theoretical assessment. Corrosion of Diesel Locomotive engine, which was principally constructed of iron and iron-based alloys, is as a result of water attack, air, and fuel, and lubrication oil contaminations. Adequate maintenance will be required to prevent corrosion of principal parts of locomotives used for their operations as corrosion represents an enormous financial loss and wastage of material as metals which have undergone corrosion lose their strength, ductility and other desirable mechanical and physical properties.

KEYWORDS: Corrosion, Locomotives, degradation, iron based alloys, mechanical and physical properties.