Investigation of mechanical performance, corrosion resistance, and safety factor in BSP fitting

OpenAlex İngilizce

Pipe fittings are vital in industrial systems such as energy distribution, plumbing, and fluid transfer. Cast iron fittings, though common, suffer from poor machinability, high hardness, and significant corrosion risk. Aluminium fittings, in contrast, are lighter and more corrosion-resistant but lack widespread industrial standardisation. This study compares cast iron and aluminium fittings in terms of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and manufacturing methods. Cast iron fittings from Europe, China (PRC), Taiwan, and the Balkans were evaluated. European cast iron showed the highest tensile (69528 MPa) and yield strength (365.4 MPa), while Balkan fittings had the lowest (58565 MPa, 243.6 MPa) and reduced ductility. In aluminium alloys, the 7000 series had the best tensile strength (443 MPa), followed by the 6000 (316 MPa) and 5000 series (294 MPa). Corrosion tests in 5% NaCl over 168 hours showed pressure die cast-T6 aluminium had the lowest corrosion rate, with the 6000 series losing just 5.2% annually. FEA revealed aluminium fittings had lower stress concentrations than cast iron. RSM optimisation showed rolling improved ductility by 45% and tensile strength by 85% in the 7000 series. Aluminium, especially pressure die cast-T6, is a strong alternative to cast iron, though further standardisation is needed..