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Old 16th Mar 2009, 09:51
  #162 (permalink)  
Basil
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
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By no means a materials engineer but, all other things being equal, the oxide layer will rapidly reform but, if the metals are in close contact then no O2 will penetrate therefore no oxide.
If there is an electrolite present then all bets are off EXCEPT that Al superstructures and fittings are mixed with steel on ships. They are attached using either insulated ferrules or explosive welded Al/Steel spacers.
Problems arise when, years after manufacture, someone, unaware of the problem, comes along and carries out some unauthorised modification.
Have to say I do feel uncomfortable with mixing Al and other metals.

I'd be astonished to hear that Airbus were using Al cable inappropriately bearing in mind the high profile of the Kapton problems.
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