Innovation algorithm for Corrosion Research (TRIZ)

Corrosion is a complex process for which innovation is a must. During Stalin's time in ex-USSR, a young genius called Genrich Altshuller (1926-1998) did a marvelous job. Genrich had reviewed 300,000 patents and innovation findings. The result was TRIZ which is the abbreviation for теория решения изобретательских задач that can be translated as ?theory of inventive problem solving. Or as we call it, the algorithm of innovation.

Before Altshuller, it was believed that innovation is a God-send present only given to special people. However the then 20-year-old Altshuller, proved that innovation has its own algorithm and methodology to be used by merely everyone with interest and enthusiasm.

The cream of innovation according to TRIZ is finding a solution to solve a contradiction. In other words, when there is a problem (contradiction), it is then the innovator's role to solve the problem.

However, one needs to first determine the type of contradiction, then via TRIZ methodology and its 40 principles, you will refer to a 39x39 matrix called TRIZ matrix. This matrix has two axes on one axis you place the improving feature and on another axis, you place the worsening feature. Then you apply TRIZ algorithm/methodo9logy. TRIZ, in summary, has the following features:

(1)40 Principles /laws?

(2)8 trends

(3)76 standard solutions

(2500?effects observed from science and technology

(5)9 ways to define solutions for the observed?conflicts

(6)"Tools" for "Psychological?ice breaking" related to Creativity

(7)ARIZ (Algorithm?for Inventive Problem Solving"

To the best of this author's knowledge, We have been the first who introduced the importance and possibility for using of TRIZ in corrosion management. We briefly covered this topic in three of our publications:

1) R. Javaherdashti,” Nano-bio-mining using bacteria to produce nano-minerals”, Journal of Chemical Technology and Applications, Vol. 2 Issue 1, 2018. https://www.alliedacademies.org/journal-chemical-technology-applications/dures/

2) R. Javaherdashti, “ Innovation, Uncertainty, and FMEA-MIC and FCP-MIC” in R. Javaherdashti, F. Akvan “Failure Modes, Effects and Causes of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion: Advanced Perspectives and Analysis”, Elsevier, 2020.

3) R. Javaherdashti, M. Basirzadeh, “Application of TRIZ for Corrosion Management”, in?R. Javaherdashti (Ed.) “Corrosion Policy Decision Making: Science, Engineering, Management, and Economy”, Wiley, December 2021.

We have further developed the idea in our upcoming book "Advanced Corrosion Modelling", to be published by Springer, in a chapter titled "Application of the algorithm of invention (TRIZ) in science, engineering, and management of corrosion". In this chapter and in more details in reference 3, we have given particular examples of corrosion related to each 40 TRIZ principles.

TRIZ is a yet- to- be-discovered treasure for corrosion researchers and engineers alike to save time and budget in reaching solution(s) for their corrosion challenges.