Why did the decorative rat die? - briefly
The ornamental rat died because inadequate ventilation allowed toxic fumes from its surrounding materials to accumulate, causing suffocation. Improper placement near heat sources accelerated the lethal exposure.
Why did the decorative rat die? - in detail
The decorative rodent’s demise can be traced to several interrelated factors.
First, material composition played a critical role. The figure was cast from low‑melting‑point alloy, which softened under ambient temperatures exceeding 30 °C. Prolonged exposure caused structural fatigue, leading to a fracture in the supporting leg.
Second, the finish applied to the sculpture contained solvent‑based pigments. Over time, the solvents evaporated, leaving micro‑cracks in the surface coating. These cracks allowed moisture ingress, accelerating corrosion of the metal core.
Third, placement conditions contributed to the failure. The piece was positioned near a heat vent, resulting in repeated thermal cycling. Each heating and cooling cycle expanded and contracted the metal, exacerbating the existing cracks and eventually causing the joint to separate.
Fourth, handling practices introduced additional stress. Frequent repositioning without proper support placed uneven loads on the slender limbs, creating shear forces beyond the design tolerance.
Finally, a lack of preventive maintenance allowed the deterioration to progress unchecked. Regular inspection could have identified early signs of fatigue, enabling corrective measures such as reinforcement or relocation to a temperature‑stable environment.
Collectively, these material weaknesses, environmental stresses, improper handling, and insufficient upkeep culminated in the decorative rodent’s irreversible damage and eventual collapse.