Structural failure of metals can result from mechanical, chemical, or thermal stress. For example, naval grade aluminum when exposed to temperatures of 50–200 °C will have Mg2+ ions migrate and congregate on the grain boundaries. This magnesium segregation forms an intermetallic compound: Mg2Al3. This new composition called beta phase aluminum acquires distinct physical properties becoming more susceptible to corrosion than the native alloy. These temperatures can be easily reached during normal functions of marine machinery. Results indicate that second harmonic generation, a branch of non-linear optics, could be utilized as a noninvasive method for detecting beta phase in naval grade aluminum alloys.

Noninvasive detection of aluminum sensitization using SHG

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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