Second International Conference on the Simulation of Electrochemical Processes

 Overview

The second International Conference on Simulation of Electrochemical Processes, ELECTROCOR, took place recently in Myrtle Beach, USA, organised by the Wessex Institute of Technology, represented by the Director, Professor Carlos Brebbia, and the Head of its Industrial Division, Dr Robert Adey, and Dr Virginia DeGiorgi, from the Naval Research Laboratory, USA.

The first ELECTROCOR conference was held in Cádiz in 2005 and was very successful.  It created a group of researchers from a variety of fields who had a common interest in the modelling of electrochemical processes.  These processes are the basis of diverse areas of interest ranging from corrosion to fabrication processes.  Whilst the Conference focused on computational modelling, the need to understand the underlying physical phenomena was not neglected.  Also, the meeting addressed the link between computational and experimental methods.

 Opening Address

The Conference was opened by Professor Brebbia who explained the importance of this type of meeting within the objectives of Wessex Institute of Technology (WIT), whose function is to act as an institution for knowledge transfer.  Professor Brebbia explained some of the recent developments at Ashurst Lodge, not only the improvement of its lecture room and residential facilities, but also the interest of WIT in acting as a forum for linking physical engineering sciences with humanities and society in general.  This is also encouraged by many of the most recent research programmes at international, European and UK level, which stresses the importance of considering the effects of any new development on Society as a whole. WIT is also heavily involved in projects focusing on environmental and ecological issues.  WIT collaborates in this regard with several important centres. This has led to a few major initiatives which include:  

• The launch of the Prigogine Medal in honour of the Nobel Prize Winner,    who was Honorary Chairman of some of the WIT Conferences, as well as the inspiration for the International Journal of Ecodynamics.  This initiative was based on the close relationship between WIT and the University of Siena Group headed by Professor Enzo Tiezzi .
  

• The setting up of a Scientific Advisory Group following the very successful meeting in Patagonia last year.  The Conference, opened by a Nobel Peace Prize Winner, expressed the concern of the scientific community for the serious environmental and ecological issues facing our Planet .
  

• The launch of three new international journals dealing with topics relating to man and nature. They are the International Journal of Ecodynamics (also with the collaboration of the University of Siena); one on Sustainable Development and Planning (with the help of the University of Thessaly staff); and the more recently published Nature and Design Journal, which aims to better our understanding of nature in order to achieve harmonisation of human activities with the environment
  

"All these activities", Professor Brebbia said, "whilst different from our conventional engineering work, are of great importance to all of us.  As scientists, we need to be aware of the consequences of our work and try to minimize its impact on nature.  At the same time, we should reach out to society as a whole." This, Professor Brebbia explained, is the objective of the newly created scientific advisory group.  Professor Brebbia concluded by inviting any interested participants to join the newly created Group and would be happy to provide further information about this important initiative.

 Conference Session

The Conference covered a series of topics:  

• Modelling methodologies
• Cathodic protection systems
• Experimental measurements and computer results
• Interface and signature control
• Stress corrosion, cracking and corrosion fatigue
• Detection and monitoring of corrosion

 Invited Presentations

There were a number of important invited presentations during the meeting, including the following:  

• “Two-phase electrolysis process modelling: from the bubble to the electrochemical cell scale”, by P Mandin, ENSCP, France
• “Micro-scale computer modelling of the relationship between metallurgical microstructure and localized corrosion effects”, by SGR Brown, Swansea University, UK
• “Mesoscopic modelling of corrosion processes: pitting morphology evolution”, by A. Taleb, Pierre and Marie Curie University, France
• “Dual reciprocity boundary element method for iron corrosion in acidic solution”, by A. Peratta, Wessex Institute of Technology, UK
• “Dipole modelling and sensor design”, By V. DeGiorgi, Naval Research Centre, USA
• “3D cathodic protection design of ship hulls”, by J. Deconinck, Free University of Brussels, Belgium
• “Corrosion detection by multi-step genetic algorithm”, by K. Amaya, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
• “Predicting corrosion related signatures”, by R. Adey, BEASY Ltd and Wessex Institute of Technology, UK

 Panel Discussion on Corrosion Prevention

A panel discussion took place during the Conference on “Corrosion Prevention” with the participation of:  

V. DeGiorgi, Naval Research Centre, USA
R. Adey, BEASY / WIT, UK
J. Deconinck, Free University of Brussels, Belgium
P. Mandin, ENSCP, France
S.G.R. Brown, Swansea University, UK
A. Taleb, University Pierre and Marie Curie, France

 ISAC Meeting

There was a meeting of the International Scientific Advisory Committee of the Conference during the Conference.  It took place in a typical local restaurant renowned for the quality of its cuisine. The group discussed ways in which the Meeting could be improved, including appointing new members of the Committee and reviewing the list of topics.  It was proposed to organise special sessions on a few selected themes. The changes in the conference topics reflect the development of the field in the last two years.  The Meeting will be in Europe in 2009 and several locations were put forward.  The WIT Conference Department will investigate them and decide on which option is most suitable. 

 Conference Dinner

The Conference banquet took the form of a dinner followed by an evening at the Carolina Opry, a musical show based on the famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. It consists of a series of songs and dances from the American South and in  particular, South Carolina.  The Opry recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The South Carolina Opry offered the delegates a glimpse into Southern American Culture. 

 Publication of Papers

The proceedings of Simulation of Electrochemical Processes II, 368pp (ISBN: 1-84564-071-2) are available in hard back from WIT Press priced at £115/US$225/€172.50. Orders can be placed by telephone: +44 (0) 238 029 3223, fax: +44 (0) 238 029 2853, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or via the WIT Press web site at www.witpress.com