Re: 1teraflops cell processor possible?

"Nick Maclaren" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,
> Russell Wallace <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >On 28 Nov 2003 17:57:05 GMT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Nick Maclaren)
wrote:
> >
> >>Aluminium forms a thin skin of alumina (the oxide) when exposed
> >>to oxygen, or oxygen and water, and thus is rustproof in fresh
> >>water.  However, it is VERY badly attacked by salt water, and
> >>sailing boats etc. that use aluminium spars protect them by
> >>anodisation (however that works).  Even with that protection,
> >>which may or may not be application to aircraft, one of its normal
> >>failure modes is through corrosion.
> >
> >Ah! Interesting.
> >
> >Any idea why they used it for warships, then?
>
> It's 3 times lighter than steel, so you can put much more junk
> on the ship and not have it turn turtle the first time there is
> a bit of a blow.
>
> >Also, if you know an aluminium object is going to be immersed in salt
> >water, why doesn't a layer of waterproof paint solve the problem?
>
> It chips and cracks in use, especially near moving parts.
>
>
> Regards,
> Nick Maclaren.

It apparently depends greatly on the aluminum alloy that is used.  Many
aluminum boats are used in salt water.  They are not anodized.  Neither
are the aluminum masts.  The problem with airplanes is that they were
not designed for nor tested to withstand salt water immersion.  And it
is probably really hard to wash the salt off to make sure nothing bad
happens 10 years down the road.

The lovely folks on rec.boats will be happy to enlighten you all.

del cecchi