Handbook of Case Histories in Failure Analysis
Failure of a Service Water Pump Shaft
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Published:1993
Abstract
A service water pump in a nuclear reactor failed when its shaft gave way. The fracture originated in the threaded portion of the sleeve nut on the drive-end side of the shaft. Results of the failure analysis showed that the cracking initiated at the thread root as a result of corrosion fatigue. Crack propagation occurred either by corrosion or mechanical fatigue. Evidence was found indicating high rotary bending stresses on the shaft during operation. The nonstandard composition of the En 8 steel used in the shaft and irregular maintenance reduced the life of the shaft. Recommendations included use of a case-hardened En 8 steel with the correct composition and regular maintenance of the pump.
Hasan Shaikh, H.S. Khatak, J.B. Gnanamoorthy, Failure of a Service Water Pump Shaft, Handbook of Case Histories in Failure Analysis, Vol 2, Edited By Khlefa A. Esaklul, ASM International, 1993, p 345–347, https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.fach.v02.c9001370
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New Handbook: Volume 11B
Volume 11B serves as a reference and guide to help engineers determine the causes of failure in plastic components and make corrective adjustments through design and manufacturing modifications.
