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

1.638 km

Step-by-step explanation:

`\alpha` = Length expansion coefficient of iron =
`12* 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* 12* 10^(-6)* (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.