philharm,
If the ref. I am looking at is correct then you have a potential difference of over ~0.8 [V SHE] between Ni and Al.
Also, is it possible to insulate the Al casing from the Ni plate with a non-conductive coating or plate ? and use ceramic washers and / or bolts. Its not an ever...
The main field dealing with corrosion and oxidation is materials sciences (engineering), So that is the best way to go. Other fields of science also deal with corrosion but I think to a lesser extent. In Canada, I know of the Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering...
