A MONTE-CARLO SIMULATION OF LOCALIZED CORROSION

A two-dimensional Monte Carlo simulation algorithm is formulated following the tunneling mechanism for localized (pitting) corrosion. Depending on the values of a minimum set of control parameters, easily interpreted in terms of physicochemical variables, the two limiting regimes of stable and unstable corrosion are reproduced. Pits grown under such distinctive-conditions are analyzed from the point of view of both their electrochemical response (current vs time behavior) and their morphology. In this last respect, fractal concepts are advantageously used to describe their exposed profiles as well as their distributions of local currents.