Question

The Trans-Alaskan pipeline is 1300 km long, reaching from PrudhoeBay to the port of Valdez, and is subject to temperatures rangingfrom -71°C to + 34°C. (a) How much does the steel pipeline expand dueto the difference in temperature? km (b) How can this expansion be compensated for?

Answer 1

Answer:

1.638 km

Explanation:

$\alpha$ = Length expansion coefficient of iron = $12\times 10^{-6}\ /^{\circ}C$

$\Delta T$ = Change in temperature = (34-(-71))

L = Initial length = 1300 km

Change in length is given by

$\Delta L=L\alpha\Delta T\\\Rightarrow \Delta L=1300\times 12\times 10^{-6}\times (34-(-71))\\\Rightarrow \Delta L=1.638\ km$

The pipeline can expand 1.638 km

To compensate for this expansion gaps in the joining segments of the pipeline can be left.