powder coating 1

[southpaw]

ok, i have a 2024-T3 panel was powder coated...
This panel is installed as an engine baffle. we are now experiancing excessive cracking on the panels.
i recommended removing the powder coating, since this can reduce the fatigue life of a part...especially material 0.040" thick..
I have been through a few DTA classes and fatigue classes, but am mostly a stress engineer.
Where can i start in proving my theory... I do have "AFGROW" loaded on my laptop...
any help in getting me started....
southpaw

 

Is that a hydogenization problem similar to chome plating?

 

[WKTaylor]

Southpaw... before You get carried away... we need to know a few things:

1 What Kind of powder-coat was applied? What was the cure-temp and cure-time profile? What was the inorganic surface prep [alodine, anodize]?

2. Where is you panel cracking? At holes? Along bend-radii? Randomly along edges... or in the middle? is there corrosion associated with the cracking??

3. Are You sure it is 2024-T3? Could it have been made from OLD 2024-T3 material? Are the bend-radii appropriate for 2024-T3, thickness "X".

4. Where exactly is this piece mounted and how is it mounted? What is the fastener spacing/size? Are the holes very sloppy tolerance? How much of it is unsupported? What temperature(s) and vibrations does it see in-service[measured or estimated]??? How long is it in-service before cracks were [are] found.

5. As You can tell there are MANY variables that could cause this part to prematurely crack. Having done a LOT of field failure analysis I suggest You keep an open mind!

Regards, Wil Taylor