Final answer:
Feed mains and cross mains play a significant role in resource distribution and system performance in engineering.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of engineering, the term 'feed mains' or 'cross mains' refers to the supply lines that distribute fluid, such as water or gas, directly to various points in a system. These mains are responsible for delivering the necessary resources to different stages or sections of a process.
For example, in a chemical plant, feed mains may directly supply different types of chemicals to the production units. Similarly, cross mains in a water distribution system can directly deliver water to various neighborhoods or zones.
In engineering, designing and optimizing the layout of feed mains or cross mains is crucial for efficient resource distribution and system performance.