Nautical Term: Pitting

Definition of Pitting

Pitting refers to small, deep, and irregular holes that form on the surface of metal structures, primarily due to corrosion.

For instance, imagine a ship’s propeller, which is constantly exposed to seawater. Over time, due to the harsh environment, the propeller may develop pitting corrosion. These tiny, deep holes on the propeller’s surface can reduce its efficiency and, in severe cases, can even cause the propeller to fail.

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