30. Statistical Analysis of Corrosion Data

Statistical analysis—from data sampling to interpretation of results—is fundamental to all branches of science and engineering, as well as in the field of corrosion. Once corrosion data are obtained from testing (i.e. laboratory and/or field investigation), monitoring and inspection activities, statistical analysis can be very helpful to interpret such results, providing a rational, engineering approach. Nowadays, the amount of corrosion data has continuously increased. In spite of this, the statistical approach is not widely used in corrosion science and engineering even if proper methodologies are available to organize corrosion information and to improve industrial plant design and maintenance. In this chapter, the basic concepts of corrosion probability and statistical treatment of corrosion data are discussed. The chapter does not cover detailed description of statistical methods, rather considers a range of approaches with applications in corrosion testing.