Review of Sensitivity Studies for Impressed Current Cathodic Protection Systems

The Naval Research Laboratory has conducted investigations into the computational simulations of shipboard cathodic protection systems for several decades providing a scientific basis for the application of computational modeling to corrosion and signature systems. This work has expanded to other facilities and organizations, several of which are commercial in nature. However, much of the individual sensitivity studies which have led to an increased understanding of the behavior of cathodic protection systems have not had a high visibility. In this paper the authors review selected critical studies with notes towards future work. Because of their impact on modeling accuracy and means of defining components the authors have selected variations in electrolyte conductivity, damage modeling approaches, material characterization and paint characterization for review.