This paper describes a standard procedure for using constant-current electrolytic reduction (“coulometric reduction”) to determine the relative buildup of corrosion and tarnish films on control coupons from environmental tests, and discusses the types of results and correlations that may be expected. Examples of the applications of this proposed ASTM standard method will be presented for two types of environmental exposure: the mixed flowing gas test and the humid sulfur vapor (“flowers-of-sulfur”) test.
Occasionally thermally stressed connectors have come back from the field with initial investigations confirming the crimp height was slightly above the upper design specification limit. Experimental designs were then conceived and conducted independently at both TE Connectivity and Whirlpool Corporation to investigate if the out-of-specification crimp heights were a result of the overheating in the area or potentially the cause of overheating in the area. The results were compared to the known mechanisms for joint degradation including stress relaxation, and cold welding breakdown including spring back analysis. The experimental investigation, coupled with comparison to current crimp models, helps further forensic investigations and the specific understanding of material behavior in crimped connectors.
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