Formation and evolution mechanism of metal whiskers in extreme aerospace environments: A review

The spontaneous growth and evolution mechanism of metal whiskers have long been scientific problems. With the development of the integration of electronic and electrical productions, short circuits and system failures are raised by metal whiskers continuously. In the meantime, the related theories and mechanisms of whiskering problem are still vague, leading to a deficiency in the studies of environmental factors influencing the whisker phenomenon. Besides, the extreme environments such as aerospace, have been proven the accelerators to the formation of metal whiskers, resulting in a severe threaten to equipment and devices working in such environments including satellite and military equipment. To establish a comprehensive understanding to the whiskering process associated with their applicable control strategies, this study analyzes the growth phenomenon, influencing factors, formation process and evolution mechanism of metal whiskers in extreme service environments, puts forward the corresponding controlling strategies, offers a reference for the establishment of Chinese extreme aerospace strategic environment, and improves the reliability of aerospace systems.