What type of wear is common on bonding and grounding straps used in aircraft?

The presence of corrosion is indeed the most common type of wear found on bonding and grounding straps in aircraft. These straps are critical components that ensure electrical continuity and safety by effectively grounding various systems and components. Since they are often exposed to varying environmental conditions, including moisture and air pollutants, they are susceptible to corrosion.

Corrosion on bonding and grounding straps can lead to increased resistance, which may interfere with the effectiveness of the grounding system, and could potentially lead to failures in electrical systems. Corrosion can occur in the form of rust or oxidation, impacting the materials used in the straps, which are predominantly made of metals such as copper or aluminum.

While other types of wear such as electrolysis damage, mechanical wear, and thermal fatigue can occur in aviation components, they are not as prevalent in bonding and grounding straps as corrosion. Electrolysis commonly affects dissimilar metal connections under certain conditions, mechanical wear typically results from physical abrasion or movement, and thermal fatigue is related to heat cycles impacting materials over time. These forms of wear do not manifest to the same degree as corrosion in relation to the operational environment of bonding and grounding straps.