What physical properties are needed to compute bursting pressure in a boiler?

To compute the bursting pressure in a boiler, it's essential to consider the tensile strength of the material, the thickness of the plate, the efficiency of the joint, and the radius.

Tensile strength refers to the maximum stress that the material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before failing. This property is critical because it determines how much pressure the boiler material can safely contain without rupturing.

The thickness of the plate directly impacts its structural integrity. A thicker plate can generally withstand higher pressures compared to a thinner one.

The efficiency of the joint is important as well, since the strength of the connections between different parts of the boiler can be a point of weakness. A joint that is less efficient may reduce the overall capacity to withstand pressure, leading to a higher likelihood of failure.

Finally, the radius of the boiler affects the distribution of stress. A larger radius generally means that the material will experience different stress than a smaller radius, influencing the calculations for bursting pressure.

Understanding these physical properties allows engineers to ensure that boilers operate safely under the intended conditions. Other options provide factors that may not directly relate to the mechanics of bursting pressure, focusing instead on different concepts not directly associated with the calculation.