Failure Analysis on Fracture of Water Inlet Brass Tube of Tap

A tap made of HPb59-1 lead brass fractured transversely at the position of water inlet copper tube after installation for about 2 months. Through macroscopic observation, chemical compositions analysis, metallographic examination, EDS analysis and fracture analysis, it was found that the main reason for the fracture wasstress corrosion. Another important reason which accelerated the fracture was due to the serious porosity defects. The defects reduced continuity and mechanical property of the brass tube.