Research

Omega Research

Research

OMEGA RESEARCH is a Testing Laboratory however we are much more with a focus on research and when testing failures occur, helping our customers understand causes more quickly to enable them make changes and avoid further test failures. Omega Research was founded by Craig Willan who has a life-long passion for problem solving and understanding the science and physics around metallurgy. Here we are providing access to some of the most important research work completed by Craig.

Corrosion - The Dark Side of Metals

This paper focuses on the critical issue of corrosion and its impact on metals, particularly in
the field of metal finishing. Corrosion is the process by which metals are chemically or
electrochemically attacked by their environment, often leading to significant economic
losses, safety concerns, and conservation issues. The paper discusses various corrosion types,
including uniform, pitting, and stress corrosion cracking, and highlights the role of
electrochemical reactions in the corrosion process. It also provides practical solutions to
combat corrosion, such as using protective coatings, sacrificial protection, and proper metal
selection based on the galvanic series. The update emphasizes the importance of
understanding corrosion mechanisms for better prevention and protection, especially in
high-stakes applications like aerospace and marine industries.

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Scientists
Research

Materials

Understanding materials is fundamental to solving complex engineering problems. This section gathers research, commentary, and perspective on the role of materials in advancing performance, reliability, and innovation across high-stakes industries.

AerMet 100

This white paper explores the unique properties and processing challenges of AerMet 100, a high-carbon, high-strength steel developed as an advanced alternative to 300M-type alloys for aerospace applications requiring strengths of 280 ksi and above. Known for its exceptional fracture toughness, AerMet 100 demands strict control over heat treatment, cryogenic stabilization, and aging processes to avoid serious risks such as hydrogen embrittlement and stress corrosion cracking. The paper traces the alloy’s development history, highlights its sensitivity to retained austenite and austenite reversion, and outlines how even minor deviations—like insufficient cold stabilization or prolonged aging—can compromise structural integrity. It also reviews real-world failures linked to improper processing, reinforcing the need for metallurgical discipline and process precision. Ultimately, the paper makes clear that while AerMet 100 offers outstanding performance potential, that potential can only be realized through rigorous quality control.

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Testing

Behind every component that flies is a history of testing, failure, and refinement. This section brings together papers that explore the rigorous world of materials testing, especially in relation to hydrogen embrittlement. These documents tell the story of how subtle design factors can have dramatic consequences, and why careful, evidence-based testing is at the heart of engineering.

All About Hydrogen Embrittlement

This white paper provides a comprehensive examination of hydrogen embrittlement in high-strength steels, particularly in the context of metal finishing processes. It explores the metallurgical mechanisms behind embrittlement, sources of hydrogen, and various testing methodologies to detect damage. The paper outlines key strategies for controlling hydrogen, both by preventing its introduction and removing it post-process through proper baking procedures. Detailed guidance is offered for specific plating processes, including cadmium, chrome, nickel, silver, zinc, electroless nickel, phosphate coating, and copper, highlighting best practices and potential pitfalls. The document serves as a technical guide to help metal finishers avoid costly and potentially catastrophic failures associated with hydrogen embrittlement.

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