The Corrosion Science section performs research in the area of corrosion to identify the occurrence of corrosion (i.e. sensors), determine corrosion mechanisms, and methods of corrosion prevention and protection. In addition, the Section conducts basic research relevant to the effects of the marine environment on fracture of metallic materials, including pitting, stress-corrosion cracking, hydrogen-assisted cracking, synergistic interactions between the environment and cyclic loading, and detection of mesoscopic fatigue crack precursors. This basic research supports applied programs, such as evaluating the performance of new materials and performing failure analyses, in support of Navy weapons systems, spacecraft, and facilities. The Section also conducts research in other areas of electrochemistry such as full cells and electrochemical refining of metals and alloys. Approaches to these problems involve applied electrochemistry, surface analysis, and applied mathematics.