ABSTRACT The study investigates the impact of chlorine‐based disinfectants on the mechanical properties of leaks in water supply networks. Through dynamic and static corrosion experiments, as well as numerical simulations, the research reveals that higher concentrations of disinfectants such as chlorine, monochloramine, and chlorine dioxide significantly affect leak flow rates and the mechanical properties of pipes made from galvanized steel and polypropylene random copolymer. The findings show that the elastic modulus of the leak area follows an “increase—peak—decrease—stabilization” pattern over time, influenced by disinfectant concentration and exposure duration. The study further develops an improved Fixed Area and Variable Area Discharge model, which incorporates these factors, providing a more accurate prediction for leak behavior. The model helps in optimizing water supply network design and leak management. Future research could expand the variety of pipe materials and explore the microscopic interaction between disinfectants and pipe surfaces.
Li et al. (Fri,) studied this question.