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View Full Version : Are there any metallurgists or chemists in NSSA?



cannonmn
06-17-2009, 09:49 AM
1. This relates to the video I posted here yesterday, which shows irreversible damage which can happen to a bronze cannon stored outside, in a relatively short time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3OCocX5pU0

2. The Navy has not asked for any help with this, however they don't have the resources to address the problem, even if it ranked in their priorities, which it doesn't. There are about two dozen priceless bronze cannons on outside display at the Washington Navy Yard, including the one in this video, and unfortunately they are all deteriorating due to acid rain, bird droppings, etc.

3. NSSA members may be able to help the Navy with this problem. The highest priority need is for technical expertise acceptable to the Navy. The Navy will accept advice from highly-qualified technical consultants, which in this case might include a metallurgist, or a chemist specializing in corrosion. If we could find within NSSA such a person who would be willing to produce a study of the present condition of the cannons, and make recommendations, it might get things started. Or perhaps one of you knows of a metallurgist or chemist somewhere who would consider requesting a grant to do this work. Please let me know if you can help or if you know someone who can.