Power transmission through a pipeline reaches its peak when the ratio of friction head loss to total supplied head is________________?
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Answer: A. 1/3
Explanation
Maximum power transmission through a supply pipeline occurs when friction head loss equals one-third of total head. Differentiation of the power transmission equation reveals this precise optimum hydraulic ratio. Exceeding this friction threshold drastically reduces the useful power delivered at the pipeline exit. Power transmission efficiency depends on balancing flow rate against frictional pressure drops. Total supplied head is the sum of usable delivery head and frictional head loss. Hydraulic optimization ensures maximum mechanical power reaches turbines or municipal water networks.
Hydroelectric power plant designers optimize penstock diameters using this one-third friction rule. Balancing transmission efficiency prevents excessive energy waste in industrial fluid power systems. Proper pipeline sizing ensures high operational efficiency and lower long-term pumping costs. One-fourth friction head loss fails to achieve the mathematical peak of power transmission efficiency. One-half friction head loss reduces available delivery pressure below optimal power output levels. Two-thirds friction head loss leaves insufficient residual head to deliver usable power downstream.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Civil Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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