Accelerated corrosion tests on waste-gated turbocharger’s adjustable and fixed end-links

Abstract

A turbocharger which has been mounted to a heavy duty automotive diesel engine can be subjected to various aggressive environments and a range of temperatures varying from ambient to 670°C. Extreme operating environments and temperatures can initiate corrosion leading to the degradation of the components. The present research evaluates the corrosion resistance of the zinc-coated and stainless steel waste-gate end-links based on accelerated corrosion and dust particles tests, using an environmental test rig. Samples were exposed to the tests for 504 hours. Images of the specimens were captured to record corrosion build-up and its progression on the surfaces during the exposure time. These results were then used to evaluate the corrosion resistance ability of both, zinc coated fixed and stainless steel adjustable end-links. Accumulation of corrosion and the build-up of salt deposits were observed on both end-links during and after the experiments.