FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Materials, Hardware and ProcessesEasy

A technician is performing a visual inspection of a steel aircraft component. Which type of corrosion is characterized by a general roughening of the surface and a red, flaky deposit?

  1. AFiliform corrosion
  2. BUniform etch corrosion
  3. CPitting corrosion
  4. DFretting corrosion
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Uniform etch corrosion

Uniform etch corrosion, also known as surface corrosion, is characterized by a general roughening of the metal surface and often appears as a red, flaky deposit on steel.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Filiform corrosion appears as worm-like tracks under the paint film.
  • C. Pitting corrosion appears as small, localized holes or pits on the surface.
  • D. Fretting corrosion occurs at contact areas between two surfaces under slight relative motion, often appearing as dark streaks.

Uniform Etch Corrosion

A type of corrosion characterized by a general roughening of the metal surface, often appearing as a red, flaky deposit on steel or a white powdery deposit on aluminum.

  • Attacks the entire exposed surface relatively evenly.
  • Commonly called surface corrosion.
  • On steel, it manifests as red rust; on aluminum, as a white powder.

Memory trick: Corrosion's many forms, know their tell-tale signs.

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