In recent years, computer technology has advanced to the point that cellular automata models are widely used in corrosion research. Cellular automata models can simulate the spatial–temporal evolution of complex systems using simple local rules and are useful for describing micro-mechanisms and macro-phenomena in corrosion processes. This paper first describes the usefulness of cellular automata models in corrosion simulation and then organises a general framework for constructing corrosion-based cellular automata. Then, it analyses research hot spots, technology development and challenges, as well as future development trends in cellular automata simulation of corrosion. Cellular automata models have achieved remarkable results in simulating various corrosion types, including uniform corrosion, pitting corrosion, intergranular corrosion and fatigue corrosion. They have also been widely adopted in materials science, engineering and biomedicine. However, challenges remain in multiphysics field coupling, model validation, parameter optimisation and integration with other simulation methods. Future trends of cellular automata models will focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, close integration of experiments and simulations, integration of real-time monitoring technology and expansion of application scenarios. This will improve model accuracy and practicality and provide theoretical and technical support for solving and controlling corrosion problems.
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