AME 1 Q1

Why D is the correct answer:

D. Grey cast iron is brittle and susceptible to fracture under marine conditions.

This is the correct answer because it directly addresses the primary reason why grey cast iron is unsuitable for ship's side valves: its brittleness. The marine environment is harsh, with potential for impacts, pressure fluctuations, and corrosion, which can easily lead to fractures in grey cast iron.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• A. Grey cast iron is highly resistant to corrosion in marine environments. This is incorrect. While cast iron can exhibit some corrosion resistance in certain conditions, the marine atmosphere, with its high salt content and humidity, is particularly aggressive, leading to rapid deterioration of grey cast iron.
• B. Grey cast iron possesses exceptional strength and ductility for withstanding marine conditions. This is incorrect. Grey cast iron is actually known for its low tensile strength and poor ductility, making it unsuitable for applications that require resistance to stress and strain, such as ship's side valves.
• C. Grey cast iron is lightweight, making it ideal for shipboard applications. While weight is a consideration in ship design, it's not the primary factor in choosing valve materials. Other materials like bronze or stainless steel offer better performance in marine environments while also being relatively lightweight.

B. Bronze, stainless steel, and ductile iron: Due to their combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and durability.

This is the correct answer as it accurately lists the three materials commonly used for ship's side valves and provides a concise explanation of their suitability.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• A. Cast iron: While cast iron can be used in some marine applications, it's generally not suitable for ship's side valves due to its brittleness and susceptibility to corrosion in the harsh marine environment.
• C. Aluminum and copper: While both aluminum and copper have their applications in marine engineering, they are not typically used for ship's side valves. Aluminum may lack the necessary strength and corrosion resistance, while copper is often alloyed with other metals (like tin to form bronze) to improve its properties for marine use.
• D. Plastic and rubber: These materials are not suitable for ship's side valves due to their lack of strength and durability to withstand the pressures and harsh conditions of the marine environment. They are also susceptible to degradation from exposure to saltwater and UV radiation.