Failures of Structures and Components by Metal-Induced Embrittlement

摘要

The basic aspects of liquid-metal embrittlement (LME) and solid metal-induced embrittlement (SMIE) are concisely reviewed, followed by case histories of failures involving (i) LME of an aluminium-alloy pipe by mercury in a natural-gas plant, (ii) SMIE of a brass valve in an aircraft-engine oil-cooler by internal lead particles, (iii) LME of a cadmium-plated steel screw from a crashed helicopter, (iv) LME of a cold-formed steel stiff-ener during galvanizing, and (v) LME of a steel gear by a copper alloy from an overheated bearing. These case histories illustrate how failures by LME and SMIE can be diagnosed and distinguished from other failure modes. The underlying causes of the failures and how they might be prevented are also discussed. Several beneficial uses of LME in failure analysis are then outlined.