CRACKING OF BRASS FITTINGS IN WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

摘要

Brass fittings from domestic water distribution systems that failed prematurely have been examined using metallographic and fractographic procedures. It is concluded that, although the fittings met the relevant standards for composition, they failed by stress corrosion mechanisms. It is suggested that that, if such alloys are to be used in similar applications in the future, there is a need for improved and stricter compositional standards, or, alternatively, that non-metallic fasteners may need to be substituted.