Aluminum alloys are used extensively in aircraft due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. A main drawback is that their microstructure is sensitive to corrosion, which generates pits for example. Although corrosion damage can be detected by non-destructive testing methods, such methods are limited in their ability to identify corrosion initiation and the mechanism behind the defect. As a result, corrective actions are only undertaken when corrosion becomes evident (cracks or loss of thickness).

Fatigue, i.e.