why aren't the pipelines of any other shape?? i mean rectalgular, square, polygonal etc...
and what is the advantage of transporting it like this?Why oil, gas %26amp; water transportation pipelines are circular/clyndrical?
Cylindrical pipes are the strongest shape when internal pressure is applied, this is because the forces within the pipe are applied equally across the walls of the pipe, and since there are no flats, the pipe cannot change shape and rupture (its easier to describe with a drawing). Thats not to say a cylindrical pipe cannot rupture, if the pipe is overpressurised, the pipe wall will stretch and split.
This is the same theory as a sphere being the strongest shape underwater (or when external presure is applied all the way around an object), because there are no flat sides, and the pressure is applied equally around it, the sphere cannot collapse/ change shape.Why oil, gas %26amp; water transportation pipelines are circular/clyndrical?
Pipes are circular for two reasons.
1. Circular pipes have no seems so they have no stress collection points. That makes them less likely to fail.
2. The other reason is the main reason. It is easier and cheaper to make a circular pipe then a rectangular pipe. metal pipes are made by pouring molten molten metal into a rotating cooled mold. the metal on the walls of the mold solidifies as the mold rotates and creates a uniform circular pipe. Plastic pipe is made in the same way. It is very easy to do this comparatively and therefore cheaper. That is why pipes are made this way. Some pipes, mainly reinforced concrete pipes and corrugated metal pipes have elliptical or rectangular shapes but these are more expensive then cylindrical pipes.
So once again, the answer is money.
Pressure would cause any other shape to become cylindrical, that is if it doesn't rupture first.
Because circular is the optimum shape for strength, ease of joining sections together and ease of manufacture.
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